LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



0DDDS3'^E55A 



.J i a 













0^ r'^^M". ^oK ; 



V » '' • o* o -0^ . « • • . "^> 



-!ll|p' 






^> 



M)^*' .^^^ 










0^ cO* 



I 






.0- 



V 









0^ 0-9 













V"^^ 



i*" -'^sfe'- *i. ^^^ /iV/;-. %. 















.v-^ 



0'' 



V 






.0^ 



..^ 



^'; 



%c,^' 



^"-^du 




Vv 




.^ .*^^(??/u*o '''*fr 



<?l» 






<^'' 







1 


.si 


- ,|r^-^*-^%^.^.,^^^,^,-^ 


i 












«/ 



ARNOLD'S POINT 

"The schooner, Royal Savage, was beached at Arnold's Point on Valcour 
Island and abandoned on October ii, 1776. In the evening she was 
boarded by the British and burned. Her hull was dragged out by subse- 
quent stonns and may be seen to this day a short distance from the shore 
through the ice in winter or when the water is calm in summer." 



THREE CENTURIES 

IN 

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY 



A COLLECTION OF 
HISTORICAL FACTS 
AND INCIDENTS 



Tercentenary Edition 



Compiled and Edited by 

Mrs. GEORGE FULLER TUTTLE 

Regent of Saranac Chapter 




Published by 

SARANAC CHAPTER, D. A. R. 

PLATTSBURGH, N. Y. 

1909 






Copyright, 1909 
By Mrs. Geokge Fuller Tuttle 



PBESS OF 
BRANDOW rP.INTING COllrANT 

Albany, N. Y. 



(g)C!.A26557o 



INl'RODUCTION 

" Three Centuries in Champlain Valley " has been sug- 
gested by the Tercentenary celebration, by the history and 
literature of the valley and by frequent inquiries in regard to 
the same. In response to such inquiries reference can be 
made to many sources of information but these are often 
inaccessible to the public or scattered through so many books 
as to make an examination by the stranger or sojourner im- 
possible. Even among our own people there is far too little 
knowledge in regard to local history, and each year sees the 
obliteration of many old landmarks and loss of valuable 
records. For the preservation of these memorials Saranac 
Chapter is endeavoring to place them in a permanent form 
accessible to the general reader. 

Relying upon the principle that no section is so remote 
from the general government or so insignificant that its history 
is not dependent to a great extent upon the laws and methods 
of that government, this book has been constructed upon a 
framework of general, well-authenticated history, filled in 
and, it is hoped, illuminated by the " Home aspect of history," 
Biography and Genealogy, especially as it pertains to the 
settlers and dwellers in this valley. Webster said, " There is 
a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors which 
elevates the character and improves the heart." Then, shall 
we not consider these things? 

The work, in year book form, may be used by the general 
reader as a daily reminder of historical anniversaries; this 
form also renders typographical errors in important dates less 
frequent. The tourist, by means of the calendar arrangement 
and subject index, may easily inform himself in regard to the 
history of any particular point. The student, employing the 
subject index carefully with reference to the works quoted, 
will be able to collect information in regard to special subjects. 
To the thoughtful reader, coincidence of date, similarity of 



4 Three Centukies in CHAMPLAiisr Valley 

name, and proximity of location often reveal unsuspected 
historical truths. By following successive dates, expeditions 
and journeys may be traced and information gained from a 
number of witnesses. The same is true as to the development 
of certain phases of social economy. 

" Three Centuries " is not intended to supersede or take 
the place of anything hitherto published. It is hoped rather 
that it will be regarded as an appreciation of the work done 
by those who have either wrought or fought in this incom- 
parable valley. Naturally emphasis has been placed on the 
Champlain period and the Revolutionary and Pioneer history. 

Webster also said " Those who do not look upon them- 
selves as a link, connecting the past with the future, do not 
perform their duty to the world." To perform that duty 
Saranac Chapter is endeavoring to estabUsh that link between 
the brave pioneers who settled this valley and its present 
inhabitants. 

All quotations are from the w^orks of natives of the Cham- 
plain valley or in some way connected with it. Extracts have 
been freely made from the Journal of Will GilHland found in 
Watson's Pioneer History of Champlain Valley, the original 
document being still treasured in a family of descendants; a 
daughter of which, was during her lifetime, a useful and 
beloved member of our Chapter. To the student of colonial 
history and of human nature to follow this earliest settler of 
the Champlain valley, Gilliland, in his daily life and observa- 
tions, cannot be wholly without interest. His notes on the 
weather lead us to believe that the climate has not greatly 
changed in the lapse of a century and a half. It may be 
interesting, also, to hear personally from different officers who 
accompanied Burgoyne's army and from travellers through 
oiu- lake in the long ago. 

The poems of the precocious Davidson sisters, whom such 
authors as Washington Irving, the poet Southey and equally 
competent judges deHghted to honor, should not be forgotten 
— the few poems that remain of their talented brother Levi P. 
Davidson, an officer in the regular army, and their most remark- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 5 

able mother, Mrs. Margaret Miller Davidson, are worthy of 
note. Nor have those more recent authors, Buckham, Peck, 
Robinson, Stetson, Saxe and others been omitted. 

Information has been sought from widely different sources, 
from standard histories, fiction, newspaper files, pamphlets, 
scrapbooks, carefully compiled by the one interested member 
usually found in every family; from family records both pub- 
lished and in manuscript; early town records, and whatnot. 
Among the historians consulted, Bancroft, Colby, Palmer, Park- 
man, Scribner, Watson and Windsor, may be mentioned ; also, 
the Documentary History of New York, Thompson's Vermont, 
Hemenway's Vermont Historical Gazeteer, County and Town 
Histories and biographical sketches. It would be impossible 
to mention the individuals to whom the compiler is indebted 
and with thanks to one and all she would say in the words of 
BurUngton's poet, James Buckham, " Good-night to the 
world, and may God bless you all." 



Quotations from "A Wayside Altar," The Heritage of Life," etc. by James Buckham are 
made through the courtesy of Jennings and Graham, Publishers 



THREE CENTURIES 

IN 

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY 



JANUARY 1 

All hail to the new-bom year! 
To the child of hope and fear! 
He conies on his car of state, 
And weaves our web of fate, 
And he opens his robe to receive us all, 
And we live or die, and we rise or fall. 
In the arms of the new-bom year. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson, 
Plattsburgh, 1823 — Saratoga, 1838. 

1755 — the severe cold obliged us to quit the road 

this day at Eliza point and come home. 

Journal of Will. Gilliland. 

Caddy, near Armagh, Ireland, abt. 1734— Willsboro, 1796. 

1767 Willsboro, — This day we had a shooting match 

at John Chism's. I won 2 matches, Mr. James 
Thompson won i , and John McEkea, won i match. 

— Idem. 

1801 On New Year's day of the opening year of the 

nineteenth century, at the Miller homestead, head 
of Broad street, Dr. John Miller, pioneer physician, 
gave the hand of Eliza Hunting, his eldest daughter, 
to Levi Piatt in marriage. 



8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1806 Gen. Benj. Mooers, his home being then on 

Cumberland Head near the mouth of Dead Creek, 
gave as a New Year's gift to his negro girl " Ann " 
her freedom. 

1809 Occurred the marriage of Smith Mead, who 

came to this country in 1807, to Hannah, daughter 
of John Roberts of So. Plattsburgh, a soldier of 
the Revolution, who, with his father, John Sr., 
and his brothers, Peter, Benjamin, Christopher 
and William, with his brother-in-law, Nathan Beman, 
participated in the battles of Hubbardton, Ben- 
nington and Saratoga; was also at the taking of Ti. 

1814 To " Squire " John G. and his wife Margaret 

O. Savage Freligh, was born a daughter, Margaret 
Anne, destined to become the wife of Hon. Moss 
Kent Piatt. 

1818 Theodorus Bailey, son of Judge Wm. Bailey 

of Chateaugay and Plattsburgh, entered the navy 
as midshipman. 

1860 At her home, present site of County Clerk's 

office, died Helen Hascall, daughter of Ralph and 
Mary Sterne Hascall, of Essex, and wife of Judge 
Lemuel Stetson. The Stetson Memorial Chapel pre- 
sented to Trinity church by her only surviving son, 
Francis Lynde Stetson of New York, perpetuates 
her memory, 

1864 In the evening, at his home on Cumberland 

avenue, at the age of 82, died William Swetland, by 
general consent " the greatest lawyer in Northern 
New York." 

Disabled by paralysis for many years, symp- 
toms of congestion of the lungs appeared on New 
Year's morning. To his physician, hastily sum- 
moned, he said " Doctor, this is all of earth, I am 
content! " 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 9^ 

1869 " The Burlington Times," a morning daily, 

merged in " The Free Press." 

1894 In Albany, died Hon. Wm. Piatt Mooers of 

Plattsburgh, oldest and only siirviving son of Dr. 
Benj. J. Mooers and grandson of both John Mooers, 
brother of Gen. Benj., and of Elder WiUiam Pitt 
Piatt, all pioneers. 



JANUARY 2 

1766 — from this time to the 15th, employed the 

men cutting logs, firewood, etc. — Gilliland. 

\1()1 — very cold weather; this evening Ireland and 

David (colored) came home from the south meadow, 
were both frost bit. — Idem. 

1787 Second of January the snow was all gone. 

— Charles Piatt to his brother Zephaniah. 

1792 Charter of the town of Johnson, Vermont, bear- 

ing name of grantee, Samuel William Johnson,^ 
issued by Gov. Chittenden. 

1840 Mrs. Timothy Balch was to be prayed for by 

all the other members of the First Presbyterian 
Church, according to a custom then prevailing. 

1846 On College Street, Burlington, was burned 

Howard's, afterwards Gould's Hotel, where General 
Lafayette was banqueted June 29, 1825. Elkanah 
Watson of Port Kent was a guest at the time. 

1854 The Rev. David Dobie, pastor of the First 

Presbyterian Church, dedicated to his people " Dis- 
courses Doctrinal and Practical." 



lO Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



JANUARY 3 

Lo! these unrisen days, 

What shall they bring to thee, to me? 

— James Buckham, 
Burlington, 1858 — Melrose, Mass., 1908. 

1749 Benning Wentworth, Governor of New Hamp- 

shire, made a grant of a township six miles square 
which he called Bennington. 

— they found themselves on a high ridge, slop- 
ing to the north, with the matchless reach of the 
Walloomsac valley on every side. Eastward, the 
long dark range of moimtains blue with changing 
shadows ; northward, the roUing meadows, — west- 
ward, Mount Anthony, emerald against the blue; 
and southward, the town founded by Benning Went- 
worth, the Bennington of Stark and Ethan Allen. 
— Theodora Peck — Hester of the Grants, 
Burlington. 

1776 The remains of Montgomery, respected and 

beloved by friend and foe, were biu-ied near the 
ramparts of Quebec, there to remain until July, 
181 8, when, on board the Phoenix, with flags at 
half-mast and draped with the emblems of mourning 
and insignia of the state, they were borne through 
the lake to their final resting place in St. Paul's 
churchyard, New York City. 

1908 Incorporation of CHnton County Society for 

the Prevention of Cruelty to Children by Hon. 
W. J. McCaffrey, Mrs. Wm. Levy, Mrs. D. K. Gilbert, 
Mrs. Geo. S. Weed, B. S. Ramsey, J. H. LaRocque. 
For animals, Misses Smith, McCaffrey and Farley, 
Messrs. McCaffrey, Elmore, Kempner and Davis. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley H 



JANUARY 4 

1767 4th to the 12th, warm good weather, built part 

of our clay chimney in the new kitchen. 

— GilUland. 



1796 At a town-meeting held in Champlain this date, 

Nat. Douglass, Pliny Moore and Zerah Curtis were 
chosen the first school trustees. The same day in 
Wallingford, Vt., was born Sally Clark, whose father, 
in 1803, removed with his family to Peru, where 
she became the wife of John Loderick Hackstaff. 

1812 At Albany by the Rev. Mr. Neill, the Rev. 

William R. Weeks of Plattsburgh to Miss Hannah 
Randell, daughter of Mr. John Randell, of the town 
of Colonic. 

1839 On this day, Friday, a Church Fast had been 

appointed by the session of the First Presbyterian 
Church in Plattsburgh and it had been resolved 
" that the Elders visit the Church at least once before 
taking up the subject we have just been considering 
(the dismissal of the Rev. Benj. Ball Newton) and 
especially in view of the near approach of our Com- 
munion." 

1886 Death of Caroline Standish Weed, daughter of 

Col. Matthew Matthew and Phebe Miller Standish 
and wife of Hon. Smith Mead Weed. 



12 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 




SIR GEORGE PREVOST 1767-1816 

JANUARY 5 

1816 Death of Sir George Prevost, son of Augustine 

Prevost (a British general of the Revolution), defeated 
by Macomb at Plattsburgh, 1814. 

1830 The first Baptist Society of Burlington formed. 

1846 John Syng Dorsey Taylor, a graduate of the 

University of Vermont in 1840 in the class with 
Henry J. Raymond, afterwards editor of the New 
York Times; Henry Hale of Elizabethtown and 
James R. Spaulding, editor of the Courier and En- 
quirer of New York, was appointed principal of 
Plattsburgh Academy and retained that position 
nearly all the time until i860. An apt scholar and 
efficient teacher, a friend as well as an instructor, 
a noble hearted, pure-minded man he left the impress 
of his own character on all who came under his 
influence. He built the house, now owned by Mrs. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 13 

Myron G. Baker and made it his home. Disappointed 
in his efforts to inaugurate a system of graded schools 
here, in connection with his brother Joseph W., who 
had been head of the school in 1857-8, he opened a 
school in St. Albans which they conducted success- 
fully many years. 

1838 The men interested in the formation of an 

Episcopal church at Rouse's Point, met in the stone 
school house built in 1824 and organized " Christ's 
Church." 

1882 Elijah Root, for half a century chief engineer 

of the Champlain Transportation Co., on account of 
failing health resigned that position. 



JANUARY 6 

1729 Governor Thomas Chittenden was born in Guil- 

ford, Conn. Early in the spring of 1774, having 
purchased a tract of land on the Winooski, or Onion 
river, in the township of Williston, he removed his 
family to the New Hampshire Grants as Vermont 
was then called. But in June, 1776, on the approach 
of the British army he was obliged to remove them 
to Arlington for safety. For him Chittenden County, 
Vt., was named. 

1800 George Marsh, who, in 1791, with his wife, Polly 

Buel, his brother Charles and his sister Catherine, 
all from Litchfield, Conn,, settled in Plattsburgh, 
. became second Major in Lieut. Col. Commandant 
Benj. Mooer's regiment. The same day, his brother 
Charles Marsh was second Lieut, of a troop of horse 
in Brig. Gen. Melancton L, Woolsey's brigade of 
light infantry. 



14 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1808 The executors of Zephaniah Piatt manumitted 

Cato. William Bailey, also, on that day manumitted 
his man Pete. In Londonderry, Ireland was born 
Margaret, daughter of James Sanders, who, in 1833 
became the wife of Josiah Corbin of Champlain, N. Y. 

1845 Ethan Voltaire Allen, son of Gen. Ethan and 

Fanny Buchanan Allen, died in Norfolk county, 

Virginia. 



JANUARY 7 

TOBOGGANING 
With tip curled like a withered leaf 

Down sliding when the days are chill, 
My light toboggan skims the snow, 
That crusts the forest -bordered hill. 

— James Buckham. 

1746 On the receipt of various information by Indians 

coming from New England, that the English propose 
attacking Fort St. Frederic, the General has just 
ordered the fitting out at Montreal of a new detach- 
ment, consisting of 150 men, both French and Indians, 
under the command of M de St. Luc la Come, to join 
Mr. de St. Pierre's party, and to protect Fort St. 
Frederic. 

— Paris Documents New York Colonial 
Manuscripts. 

1814 In Philadelphia in poverty died Gen. Ira Allen, 

a brother of Ethan Allen and Vermont's founder and 
great diplomat during the trying years of the Revo- 
lution. His remains were deposited in public grounds 
and his grave remains unmarked. 

The wrongs and misfortunes of Ira Allen, on the 
eastern side of the lake, and of William Gilliland, on 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 15 

the shore directly opposite, are the direst I ever read 
of inflicted on deserving man, under form of law, in 
a civilized coromunity. 

— W. H. H. Murray. 

Guilford, Conn., 1840 — Guilford, 1904. 



JANUARY 8 

Sometimes in January, oftener toward the close 
of February, there comes to our winter-bound 
Northern States a day or two, perhaps a week, of 
balmy, springlike w^eather, that uncovers the brown 
earth and sets the streams a-brawling, and makes 
one think that verily old winter's fetters have been 
broken. — James Buckham. 

1771 Memorial of William Gilliland for a grant of 

7,350 acres of land, near Lake Champlain, together 
with part of a creek on which he has erected some 
mills. — Land Papers, Vol. 40, page j6. 

1812 The Rev. Willard Preston settled as pastor of 

the Congregational church at St. Albans, Vt., where 
he remained until September 181 5 when his health 
compelled him to seek a milder climate to the sor- 
row of his people who twice afterwards solicited 
his return. 

1814 A detachment of infantry from Chateaugay 

Four Corners ordered to Plattsburgh by Gen. Wil- 
kinson, reached there after a forced march of forty 
miles that day. 

— Peter Sailly Palmer. 

Hampton, Washington, Co., 1814 — Plattsburgh, 1890. 



l6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



JANUARY 9 

1666 M. de Courcelles started from Quebec with 300 

men from the regiment of Carignan-Saheres and 200 
volunteers, habitants, using sledges drawn by mastiff 
dogs, for Fort St. Theresa, nine miles above the 
present village of Chambly, The weather was so 
severe that the soldiers nearly perished from cold. 

1768 Samuel Deall, a wealthy merchant of New 

York City wrote to Mrs. Ruth Stoughton, the widow 
of his partner in trade, Lt. John Stoughton, who 
had been drowned in Lake George, " at the Carrying 
Place, at Ticonderoga Landing." — 

"I hope you do not think of leaving the Landing 
or Neglect your improvements as I intend if please 
God to be up next Spring to begin building a Saw 
Mill and other improvements which will be to the 
advantage of both yours and my Lands, I have 
the Land from the Fort to the Mountain." 

1807 Samuel Flint Vilas, the future millionaire of 

Plattsburgh, born in Sterling, Vt. 

1817 Was dedicated the Church built in 181 6 at the 

cost of $23,000 for the " First Congregational Society" 
(Unitarian) of Burlington. It was furnished with 
a bell, clock and organ. The dedicatory hymn was 
written by Deacon Jacob Williams; the prayer was 
offered by John Foster, D. D. ; while the sermon from 
the text " Holiness becometh thy house O Lord 
forever," was preached by the Rev. John Pierce, 
afterwards of Brookline, Mass. 

1908 At his home in Melrose, Mass., died James 

Buckham, one of the sweetest poets of the Cham- 
plain Valley. Of " The Meaning of Death " he said, 



Three Centuries in Champlaix Valley 17 

" Blessed is the soul that interprets the death 
of loved ones, not as a taking away, but as a taking 
up, a setting forward, a transfiguration, an exalta- 
tion! They have simply gone to be with God and 
Christ our Redeemer in the beautiful city whither 
we are all bound, and whither the longest life will 
bring us sooner than we realize." 



JANUARY 10 

1633 — the cold was very severe. I see daylight a 

great part of the winter only through ice. The 
crusts of ice gather upon the windows of my cell, or 
little room, and fall like a lozenge, or a piece of glass, 
when the cold relaxes. It is through this crystal 
that the sun sends us his light. 

— Paul Le Jeune among the Montagnais. 

1791 In Highgate, Vt., of cancer in the breast died 
Catherine Weaver, beloved wife of John Sax (Sachs). 
She was 47 years old and left eight young sons and 
a four-year-old daughter, all of whom bore well 
their part in the settlement and development of 
the valley. The sixth son, Peter, remained on the 
homestead and became the father of John Godfrey 
Saxe (Sax), the poet. At Bennington, the same day, 
the convention called for that purpose, adopted the 
constitution of the United States. 

1792 The survey of the tract known as Macomb's 
Purchase, being completed and security for the pay- 
ment of the southern half deposited, letters patent 
were issued to Alexander Macomb. The same year 
' ' Macomb became involved with others in an attempt 
to establish a bank in opposition to the Bank of New 
York, and was compelled to assign his interest in 
the above lands to his creditors." 



l8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1814 Other detachments of troops having arrived 

Wilkinson repaired to Plattsburgh in person while 
the camp at French Mills was broken up and all 
magazines and provisions forwarded to Lake Cham- 
plain. 



JANUARY 11 

1769 The English government issued a mandamus for 

30,000 acres of land, lying on the west side of Lake 
Champlain, to be surveyed to Count Charles de 
Fredenburgh, a German nobleman who had been 
a captain in the British army. 

Thy verdant banks, thy lucid stream, 
Lit by the sun's resplendent beam, 
Reflect each bending tree so light 
Upon thy bounding bosom bright. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1812 Married : By the Rev. Mr. Halsey, Samuel Buell, 

Esq., Collector for the District of Vermont to Mrs. 
Julia Piatt, daughter of Peter Sailly, Esq. 

1867 The Rev. Benj. Ball Newton, from 1836-1839, 

pastor of the Plattsburgh Presbyterian Church, took 
deacon's orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church 
in Brooklyn. 

1887 A second explosion occurred at the factory above 

Maine Mill of the Clinton Powder Co., organized 
Dec, 1884, Works removed soon afterwards. 

1894 Pleasure seekers skated across the bay to Cum- 

berland Head and the next day the ice in the entire 
bay was broken by wind. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 19 

JANUARY 12 

Old Winter. 
And a mighty strong way he has withal, 
And he drives a smart business too, 

For he'll bridge the old lake from St. Johns to Whitehall, 
Without charter from Gentile or Jew. 

— -John Chatterton of Beekmantown, a student. 

Plattsburgh Academy (i 846-1 850). 

1762 Birth of Benjamin Harwood, son of Peter Har- 

wood, the first male child born in Bennington. In 
1848 his picture was taken in a group with David 
Robinson (a brother of Gov. Moses Robinson), 
Abisha Kingsley, Aaron Robinson, Samuel Fay, and 
Samuel Safford (the first man to scale the Tory breast, 
works) all six the last survivors of the battle of 
Bennington. 

1865 The Rev. Henry E. Butler, a graduate of Prince- 

ton Theological Seminary, was ordained by the 
Champlain Presbytery, the Rev. J. R. Herrick of 
Malone preaching the sermon. The young man 
ministered to the Keeseville Presbyterian Church, 
receiving a formal call the following September. 

1887 At the age of nearly 92, Benjamin Calkin, Eliza- 

bethtown's last survivor of the battle of Plattsburgh, 
died and was buried in the Calkin cemetery, Pleasant 
Valley (Elizabethtown). 

JANUARY 13 

1767 13th and 14th, soft weather, with a good deal 

of rain, the river (Boquet) open to foot of the rapids. 
Killed the calf of the swelled headed cow. Being 
about 6 weeks old, it weighed 88 lbs. of good veal, 
which at 6d per lb. with the tallow of fall and skin 
came to £t,. — Gilliland. 



20 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1788 In Barnard, Vt. was born Asa Aikens, son of 

Solomon and Betsey (Smith) Aikens. A cadet at 
West Point; graduate of Middlebury College, class 
of 1808; practicing lawyer in Windsor until his 
removal to Westport; captain of the 31st regiment, 
U. S. A. war of 181 2; member of Vermont Legisla- 
ture, Judge of Supreme Court, President of Council 
of Censors, editor of Supreme Court Reports and 
editor of two law books, " Practical Forms " and 
" Tables," the latter published in 1846 after his 
settlement in Westport, Judge Aikens led a busy 
professional Hfe. While on a visit to Hackensack, 
N. J., he died in 1863. 

1802 Anne Treadwell became the bride of Isaac C. 

Piatt whose sister, Margaret Piatt, had for several 




MARGARET PLATT TREADWELL 



NATHANIEL H. TREADWELL 



years been the wife of her brother Nathaniel Hazard 
Treadwell. Their father Judge Thomas Treadwell 
with his family and about forty slaves had come in 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 21 

1793 from Smithtown, L. I., to the site on Bay St. 
Armand, as known to the French, which had been 
selected by Nathaniel, then a young surveyor, the 
year before. But Nathaniel and his wife pushed on 
to Canada and settled in the Seigniory L'Orignal, a 
township of some fifty-four square miles which he 
opened to settlers in 1794. 



JANUARY 14 

1814 The " Centinel " published in Burlington, became 

the " Northern Sentinel " and so continued until 
1830 when it became the " Burhngton Sentinel " 
and so remained until its removal to Providence, 
R. I., in 1872. From 185 1 to 1855 while under the 
control of John G. Saxe, the poet, a daily edition 
w^as issued. 

1824 Lucretia Matilda Moore, daughter of Judge 

Pliny and Martha Corbin Moore, became the wife of 
the Rev, Abraham D. Brinkerhoff. 

1829 Zephaniah C. Piatt, son of Isaac C. Piatt and 

Ann Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Col. Thos. and 
Elizabeth (Conklin) Miller, were made man and wife. 

All wonders else in earth explain, 
^ ^ But set no laws to love's rare pain. 

— Buckham. 

1887 The Strong building in Burlington, occupied by 

the Y. M. C. A. destroyed by fire. 



JANUARY 15 

1766 Will. Gilliland sent hands to complete the road 

to Eliza meadow which was effected in two days. 
Snow 2 feet deep. 



2,2 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1778 William Gilliland in a letter written from 

Albany Fort and addressed to the committee of 
safety of Albany complains bitterly of his treat- 
ment at the hands of Gen. Gates, reciting how his 
remaining slaves were encouraged to desert his 
service and harbored at the general's own house; 
his feather bed carried off and his cellar robbed of 
upwards of four hundred pounds value of liquor, 
sugar, etc., and when this was made known to Gen. 
Gates no attention was paid to the matter but Gilli- 
land was arrested and imprisoned under false charges 
of disloyalty to the American cause. 

1811 Clinton County Medical Society met at the 

house of Edward Hunter (now 25 Broad street), 
inn holder in Plattsburgh when it was decided to send 
a delegate to the State Society and five members 
were fined $1 each for non-attendance. 

1817 The old homestead at Basin Harbor was burned 

and with its burning came memories of its builder, 
Piatt Rogers, the famous road-maker and one of 
the patriarchs of Plattsburgh; of his Dutch bride, 
Eyda Wiltse of Dutchess county, who came here in 
1789; of the day, ten years later when the remains 
of her husband were brought home from Plattsburgh 
to be laid in the family plot; of their daughter, Ida 
and her husband, John Winans, builder in 1808 of 
the first steamboat on the lake and second in the 
world; memories of the birth of the first grand-child, 
Piatt Rogers Halstead; of frequent visits and enter- 
tainment of Macdonough, and his officers and men, 
among them Joseph Barron ; and lastly, that last visit 
of William Gilliland and its fatal termination. 

1872 The long earthly life of " Uncle " Isaac C. Piatt, 

son of the first settler Judge Charles Piatt, came to 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 23 

a close in his home built on land which had fallen 
to his father's share in the original division of lots. 
This old home, in 181 4, the military hospital of the 
enemy was, in times of peace, always a place of good 
cheer. When his father, early in the century gave 
up the position of County Judge, Isaac, on account 
of his deafness, declined the office but he served as 
Sheriff of the County in 1804, 1809 and 181 1, Honor- 
able and just, the never failing friend of the poor 
and destitute was he. 



JANUARY 16 

1714 Capt. John Stoddard, son of the Rev. Solomon 

Stoddard, second minister of Northampton, and the 
Rev. Mr. WiUiams, father of Eunice, who had been 
taken captive by the Indians, in their descent upon 
Deerfield, arrived at Quebec. They had made the 
journey from Massachusetts on horseback by way of 
Westfield and Kinderhook, and on snowshoes and in 
canoes by way of Saratoga and Crown Point. 

1745 In Cornwall, Ct., was born Levi Allen, brother 

of Ethan, " by his own acknowledgment a very 
obstinate and wayward boy," the only tory in the 
family for which his large landed estate in Vermont, 
on complaint of his brothers Ethan and Ira, was 
confiscated and sold. He Hved afterwards in Canada 
and England but finally returned to Burlington 
where he died in 1801, though he called himself a 
citizen of the world. 

1798 Jay was formed from Willsborough. 

1812 In the east room of the Delord house by the 

Rev. Frederick Halsey, Maria Ketchum Averill, 
eldest daughter of Nathan. Jr., and his wife Polly 



24 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Ketchum Averill and a niece of Madam Delord, and 
Reuben Hyde Walworth, a young and promising 
lawyer (afterwards, the last Chancellor of the State) 
were made man and wife. 

1817 Clinton County Medical Society met at Holt's, 

innkeeper, in the town of Plattsburgh. Dr. Jas. 
Wood joined the society and was elected President, 
B. J. Mooers, Vice-President; Oliver Davidson, 
Secretary. At this meeting the first action was 
taken in regard to irregular practice. 

1876 " The Glory of Children are Their Fathers " 

Prov. xvii:6. Text displayed on the occasion of the 
Semi-Centennial of the Sabbath School of the First 
Presbyterian Church, Plattsburgh. 

1900 Died in Troy, N. Y., Brig. Gen. Alonzo Alden 

whose distinguished services in the Civil War are a 
part of the history of his country. 

" A man of inflexible integrity; high aspirations, 
strong mind, and the soul of honor." 

— Tribute of Joseph Cook. 

JANUARY 17 

1714 Stoddard and his party presented their cre- 

dentials to DeVaudreuil, the governor, hoping to 
effect the release of the prisoners, among them 
Eunice ; but their hopes were only partially realized. 

1766 — Sent hands to finish the road to Eliza point 

which was completed by the 24th Jan., which made 
it clear from the Mills to Eliza meadow. 

— Gilliland. 

1809 At Wadham's Mills was born EHzabeth Whitney 

Fairchild, daughter of John and Elizabeth Safford 
Whitney and wife of Benj. Smith Fairchild. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 25 

^^ ATTENTION ^^^ 

1812 The Officers belonging to Major Thomas M'ller's 

Regiment, will Rendezvous at the Union Coffee- 
House, in the Village of Plattsburgh, on the seven- 
teenth day of January next, at ten o'clock in the 
forenoon. 

By order Major Thos. Miller, 

Commandant, 
Isaac C. Piatt, Adjutant. 
Plattsburgh Republican, Dec. 27, 181 1. 

1815 Clinton County Medical Society, met at Gold- 

smith's, innholder in Plattsburgh. Dr. Nathan Car- 
ver and Francis Parker admitted members. Nathan 
Carver was elected President; Benjamin Mooers, 
Vice-President; and B. J. Mooers, Secretary. 

1826 The Medical Society met at McCreedy's. The 

president. Dr. O. Davidson, read a dissertation on 
phthisis pulmonalis. Drs. Kane and D. C. Stone 
were admitted to membership. Drs. Miller, Carver, 
and Davidson w^ere chosen a committee to draft a 
petition to be presented to the Legislature in regard 
to the law proposed by the State Medical Society 
for the suppression of quackery. 

1875 Died in Brooklyn, N. Y., the Rev. Benjamin 

Ball Newi;on assistant rector of the Church of the 
Holy Trinity. " A man of many gifts, bright and 
versatile in all." 

JANUARY 18 

1783 The first deed recorded in Grand Isle is one from 

William Williams to Capt. Jedidiah Hyde of Nor- 
wich, Conn., of a lot of land. The first surveys were 
made in that year and the first settlers w^ere Col. 
Ebenezer Allen, Lambertin Allen and Alexander 
Gordon about the same time. 



26 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1823 Post-office established in the old Thurber store 

at Rouse's Point with Calvin K. Averill as post- 
master. 

1825 Clinton Co. Medical Society met at J. McCreedy's, 

The president, Dr. J. B. Mooers, read a dissertation 
on scrofula; Drs. Patchen, and Forsyth joined the 
society and Dr. R. P. Allen presented a bill for $26.11 
for expenses while attending the State Medical 
Society. 

1849 Dedication of the new brick edifice of the Congre- 

gational Presbyterian Church in Champlain, the 
sermon being preached by the Rev. John Mattocks 
of Keeseville and the dedicatory prayer offered by 
the Rev. David Dobie of Plattsburgh. 

JANUARY 19 

1795 In Shoreham, Vt., was born William Treadway, 

son of the Revolutionary soldier Jonathan Treadway, 
whose father William journeyed from Salem, Conn, 
to Shoreham, at the age of loi seated in a rocking 
chair in a double wagon to attend the christening 
of his grandson and namesake William. The aged 
man died the next day and was buried in the old 
Ben Bissell place in Shoreham. The grandson set- 
tled in Chazy and built and operated the woolen 
mills still standing at Suckertown in Chazy. 

1809 The annual meeting of the Clinton County Medi- 

cal Society was at the house of Israel Green. Dr. 
Waterhouse of Malone read a surgical dissertation; 
Dr. Reuben Jones was admitted a member; thanks 
and $18.80 for expenses were voted to Dr. Horatio 
Powell of Malone for attendance at the meeting of 
the State society; and Drs. Man, Waterhouse, Taylor 
and Thorndike were permitted to withdraw from the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



27 



1813 



1820 



society, probably for the purpose of forming a similar 
one in Franklin county. 

" It takes a gentleman to keep a country inn 
and Friend Green is the very man for it." 

The Medical Society's annual meeting was held 
with Dr. Benj. Moore, Pres. ; S. Goodrich, Vice-Pres. ; 
Dr. Benj. J. Mooers, Sec. 

The Medical Society met at the house formerly 
occupied by Simon Newcomb, innholder. After 




DR. SAMUEL BEAUMONT 



organizing Drs. Samuel Beaumont, Baruck Beck- 
with, and Harmon Howe, presented their credentials 
and were admitted to membership. 

1821 The Society met at the house of John L, Fouquet 

and paid $1 for use of room. The expenses of Dr. 
B. J. Mooers, delegate to State Society, amounting 
to $20.25 were ordered paid and Dr. Luther Ransom, 
on account of age and infirmity permitted to with- 
draw from the Society. 



28 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1832 In Plattsburgh to Winslow C. and Susan Skin- 

ner Watson was born a son, Winslow C. Watson, Jr. 
The lad received his academic training at Keeseville 
Academy, graduated from the U. V. M. in 1850, 
took the Master's degree and delivered the oration 
in 1857. He then studied law in the office of Hon. 
George A. Saunders at Keeseville and was admitted 
to the bar in 1861. 

1884 New County Building ordered by Supervisors, 
for Clinton County Clerk, Surrogate and Supervisors 
offices. 

1885 Miss Sarah C. Hagar appointed librarian of 
Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, which position 
she retained until her death in 1908. 



JANUARY 20 

1746 The detachment under Mr St. Luc la Corne for 

the protection of Fort St. Frederic left Montreal 
between the 20th and 25th. — Colonial History. 

1767 — 15th, to 20th, very good working weather 

and good sleighing, the snow about 6 inches deep, 
can bring a load of hay every day from Eliza meadow, 
with 4 oxen in the team, this day broke our sleigh in 
attempting to haul logs with it and set about making 
a flat log sleigh of the Canadian form. 

— Gilliland. 

Whoso toils truly, surely shall he reap. 

— Buckham, 

1776 Nathan Spalding of Penton enlisted and left 

home. The following May he died of smallpox at 
Quebec while being carried in a cart with the retreat- 
ing army. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 29 

1865 Died at his home known as the General Mooers' 

house, Col. Amasa Corbin Moore, son of Judge Pliny- 
Moore of Champlain. Jan. 18, 1826 he had married 
Charlotte Elizabeth Mooers, daughter of Gen. Mooers. 
They had ten children. He was a lawyer in Platts- 
burgh and in 1843, on the occasion of the celebration 
of the anniversary of the battle of Plattsburgh, Col. 
Moore delivered the patriotic address to the large 
audience assembled in the park in front of the court 
house, 

JANUARY 21 

1666 Courcelles' party started up the lake. Arriving 

at Bulwagga Bay (opposite Addison) they took the 
route across to the headwaters of the Hudson. The 
expedition proved very disastrous and on the way 
back they stopped two days at Chimney Point wait- 
ing for stragglers to come up. 

1739 Ethan Allen, the oldest of the six brothers, was 

bom in Litchfield, Conn., (Town Records Jan. 10 
O. S) ; came to the Grants about 1769 but his family 
did not come until 1778 just before his return from 
captivity in England. About July, 1787 he removed 
to Burlington but lived at Mr. Collins' at the Bay 
until after the birth of his son Hannibal, Nov. 24, 
1787. 

1767 — clear weather, very cold. — Gilliland. 

1826 At a covenant meeting held at Rouse's Point 

" Deacon 'Squire Ferris made a confession to the 
church for having attended and taken part in a 
shooting match, which is by the church considered 
gambling; after his confession he was received by 
the church." 

1882 At his home (No. 10 Broad street) died Elder 

Lewis W. Pierce, ordained elder in the Presbyterian 



30 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Church in 1855; special customs inspector under 
Oliver D. Peabody 1 851-185 3. 



JANUARY 22 

1758 Birth in Plymouth, Mass. of Elkanah Watson, 

the future originator of County Fairs and Agricul- 




ELKANAH WATSON 



tural Societies; one of the projectors of the New 
York State canal system; projector of the contem- 
plated St. Lawrence and Lake Champlain railroad 
and similar enterprises. In 1909, a great-grandson, 
bearing the Watson name, is engaged as civil engineer 
in the construction of the Champlain canal. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 3I 

1 767 — but not so cold (as yesterday) , this day the 

lake froze half across, on the east side it appears open. 

—Gilliland. 

1787 Martha Corbin, daughter of Capt. John and 

Abigail (Cabot) Corbin of Kinderhook, N. Y., became 
the wife of Pliny Moore, of Bennington, Vt., son of 
Noadiah and Anna (Loomis) Moore. Their first 
child, Noadiah, named for his paternal grandfather, 
was born at Kinderhook, but was not baptised until 
1802 when a missionary of the Cong'l Pres. denomina- 
tion, named Miller, visited Champlain and admin- 
istered the rite of baptism. 

1814 The death of Letitia Piatt, daughter of Judge 

Charles Piatt and first wife of the Rev. Frederick 
Halsey, occurred. 

1818 At her home Cumberland Head, Elizabeth 

Addams, daughter of Major John Addams and 
second wife of Gen. Benj. Mooers, died. She was 
one of the original members of the pioneer Church 
of Northern New York. 

1864 I have answer that the execution of Henry C. 

Fuller is suspended. 

— A. Lincoln to Congressman Orlando Kellogg 
of Elizabethtown. 

1879 " Mary Fletcher Hospital " of Burlington, the 

gift of Miss Mary M. Fletcher who endowed it with 
a fund of nearly $330,000, dedicated. 



JANUARY 23 
1767 — cold weather. — Gilliland. 

1840 At Quebec died William Saxe, second son of 

John, the pioneer of Highgate, Vt. 



32 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1844 Acceptance of the call to the First Presbyterian 

Church, by the Rev. David Dobie of Huntingdon, 
Lower Canada, "a young Scotchman, in his thirty- 
third year, who appeared to be the right man to 
bring the people out of the unfortunate troubles, 
which had come upon them, — the diligent and 
delightful Dobie." 

JANUARY 24 

1666 Sieurs de la Forrille, Maximin and Lobiac, 

Captains of the Carignan regiment, joined the army 
with sixty men and some habitants but their ranks 
were so depleted before they reached St. Theresa 
that four companies had to be taken from the forts 
on the Richelieu to supply the vacancies. 

And many loyal hearts and true, 
Who sailed across the ocean blue, 
Who came its mysteries to explore, 
Sleep now along its rocky shore : 
Unmarked their graves — unknown the spot 
Yet not by kindly Heaven forgot. 

Marion Stetson Palmer. 
Champlain, 1837 — Plattsburgh, 1885. 

1786 The snow is now about twelve inches deep. I 

do not perceive it any colder here than it usually is 
at Poughkeepsie at this season of the year. 
— Charles Piatt in letter to his brother Zephaniah. 

1804 Death of Lieut. Peter Roberts (a descendant of 

Gov. Thos. Mayhew of Nantucket) who located in 
Plattsburgh, coming from Manchester and Dorset, 
Vt., as early as 1800. He built his home on Lot 
No. I, near the foot of Boynton avenue. In 1768 
he was in the militia of Dutchess county, where he 
married his wife, Jane Baker. He w^as with Ethan 
Allen at the taking of Ti ; with Warner in 1775-76 
on his Canadian expedition and at Bennington, etc. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 33 

1817 "A large portion of the inhabitants are much 

distressed for want of bread, whilst the poorer and 
laboring class are absolutely destitute of the means 
of obtaining it at the high price it sells for." 

— Peter Sailly to the Secretary of the Treasury. 

1883 Died — Judge George Mather Beckwith, son of 

Dr. Baruch Beckwith from Lyme, Conn., who settled 
in Beekmantown in 1810, the first physician there, 
A descendant of Gen. Beckwith who came with 
Lords Say and Brook and settled in Saybrook, 
opposite Lyme; also, of Increase Mather it was 
natural that Judge Beckwith should be identified 
with the Presbyterian Church, in which he was 
ordained an elder in 1855. 

"A sober, earnest man, scrupulous with his fellow- 
man, a warm hearted citizen, and a constant friend." 

JANUARY 25 
1767 A strong north wind opened the lake, broke the 

ice in bitts. — Gilliland. 

1802 At Isle La Motte died Samuel Fisk, son of the 

Rev. Ichabod and Eleanor Roberts Fisk who came 
from Poultney, Vt., to the Island in 1788. Samuel 
Fisk married Polly Scott and built the stone house — 
the Fisk homestead — now on the Island. 

JANUARY 26 
1767 — clear warm weather, began to haul logs for 

sawing. — Gilliland. 

1782 In Kinderhook, Columbia County, on a farm 

afterwards the home of ex-President Martin Van 
Buren, was born Cornelius Peter Van Ness, son of 
Peter Van Ness. At fifteen, not caring to study law 
as his older brother had done, he gave up a college 
course, but later, he entered the office of his brother 
WilHam P., at New York as a law student and there 
had for a companion Martin Van Buren, From his 



34 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

admission to the bar in 1804 iintil his removal to 
Vermont in 1806 he practiced law in his native place. 

1787 Certificate of location granted to Zaccheus New- 

comb and others of Vancour's Island, in Lake Cham- 
plain, 700 acres. He was an imcle of Cyrenius, 
Kinner and Simon who located in Plattsburgh; a 
farmer and Miller. He died about 1790 near Kinder- 
hook while on a visit to his daughter. 

1859 At his home Treadwell's Bay died Elder Thomas 

Tread well, son of Judge Thomas Tread well (1748- 




HON. THOMAS TREADWELL 

1832). Before coming here as a pioneer, none had at- 
tained greater eminence than the father, participating 
as he did in the formation of the new government 
as a member of both Provincial and Continental 
Congresses, Committee of Safety, etc. As one of the 
founders of the Presbyterian Church it was Elder 
Treadw^ell who opened the correspondence with the 
Rev. Frederick Halsey, which resulted in the latter' s 
coming here as its first pastor. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 35 

The same day died Mary Hay, daughter of the 
Scotchman Wilham Hay, the first settler in Peru, 
and " rehct " of Lott Elmore. 

JANUARY 27 

1768 Warrant of survey issued at Fort George, New 

York to Count Charles de Fredenburg with nineteen 
associates for grant of 20,000 acres of land at the 
west of Lake Champlain. 

1 787 Occurred the first marriage in North Hero — 

that of John Brunson and Miss Elizabeth Bates. 

1798 Saturday, Charles Z. Piatt, fourth son of Judge 

Zephaniah, arrived in Plattsburgh. He says in a 
letter dated Feb. 12, " Found all well. The mills 
have done a great deal of business, but the colliers, 
wood-choppers, carpenters, blacksmiths, millers, and all 
the Lazy folks in this town have eat all the Toal up." 

1812 On this date, Julius C. Hubbell, having in 1808 

hired a room in a house in Chazy and begun the 
practice of law, later hired the whole house and 
married Ann Moore, daughter of Judge Pliny Moore 
of Champlain. He brought his bride to the home he 
had prepared on horseback on a Pillion and there 
their first three children were born. 

1835 The " Macdonough " owned by the " Champlain 

Ferry Co.," and the " Water Witch " and " Win- 
ooski," owned by the "St. Albans Steamboat Co.," 
were purchased by " The Champlain Transportation 
Co.," the company thus becoming owner of all the 
lake steamers. 

1886 Major Robert W. Livingston calmly " crossed 

the bar " and his remains were laid in Riverside 
cemetery. — Pleasant Valley History. 

1905 Dedication of new Armory Building, Burlington. 



36 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JANUARY 28 

1766 Will. Gilliland sent 2 men with a team of oxen 

for hay and they did not return to ist February. 
This was the first hay sent for. — Journal. 

1787 Jacob Ferris, owner of the saw-mill and grist- 

mill on the east side of the river, writing from Platts- 
burgh, says that the dam is likely to stand well but 
" the mills Dus but very Little business this winter." 

1819 At Trenton, Oneida County, N. Y., died Gen. 

Melancton Lloyd Woolsey of Plattsburgh. An officer 
during the Revolutionary war and an early settler 
on Cumberland Head, his home the place now known 
as " The Old Homestead," he was appointed first 
collector of customs for the district of Champlain. 
He was clerk of the county, 1788; one of the first 
board of trustees of the Presbyterian Church (1803); 
in 181 6 ordained an elder; the same year director in 
the CHnton County Bible Society and one of the 
committee for the sale of pews in the new church 
edifice. As a military exempt he assisted in build- 
ing the redoubt ordered by Gen. Izard on Cumber- 
land Head. His wife and seven children survived him. 
" He died a Christian " said the United Patriot 
at the time. 

— God's helpers, whether great or small, 
In the result are neither low nor high; 
For each hath used his gift of brain or hand, 

And God, the Master Builder, wrought through all. 

— James Buckham. 

JANUARY 29 

1756 Robert Rogers " started to look into Crown 

Point." 

1717 Jeffrey Amherst was born in Kent and entered 

the army at the early age of fourteen years. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 37 

1787 The saw-mill has not turned since you left us, 

the grist-mill has done but little and is now still, 
tho' I think both might, with care, go most of the 
winter if there was anything to grind. 

— Chas. Piatt to his brother Zephaniah. 

1817 Lake Champlain closed by ice. 

1868 Died in Champlain, " lamented by all who knew 

him " Jonathan Douglas, son of the Revolutionary 
soldier and pioneer in 1793 in Chazy, Capt. John 
Douglas and grandson of Maj . Asa Douglas of Stephen- 
town, N. Y. He spent most of his life on a farm in 
Chazy, was a miller by trade and served in the 
American army during the war of 181 2 to 15. He 
married a cousin Lucy Douglas of Pittstown and had 
twelve children. 



JANUARY 30 

1666 De Courcelles marched out of Fort St. Theresa 

at the head of 500 men, and passing the lake on the 
ice, crossed the country towards the Mohawk villages. 

1743 In New Ipswich, N. H., was born Josiah Brown, 

a pioneer of Essex Co., first in Willsborough, after- 
wards at Lewis about 1805. In 1775 he responded 
to the Lexington Alarm, fought at Bunker Hill and 
was with the Continental Army at Ticonderoga dur- 
ing the summer 1777. 

1767 — a snowy day, this night the snow 12 inches 

deep. — Gilliland. 

1814 Noadiah Moore of Champlain married Maria 

Caroline Mattocks of Middlebury, Vt. 



38 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1846 On Friday evening the Methodist Church on 

Court Street was burned, the fire catching from a 
stove pipe in the basement. " Uncle " Robert Piatt 
who, while living at Valcour, had contributed so 
generously to the building of that church was one of 
the largest subscribers towards the re-building of this. 

1858 Death of Hiram Walworth who, as a boy of 

fourteen fought in Capt. Aikens' company of volun- 
teers. The Walworth homestead is now No. 17 
Broad Street. 



JANUARY 31 

1746 Captain Desabrevois has been detached with 

Chevalier de Niverville, ensign, and 53 Iroquois to 
the South river in Lake Champlain, on occasion of 
an alarm. — Colonial Manuscripts. 

1767 - — close warm weather, this day some of our 

settlers went to see James Logan, whether alive or 
dead, they crossed the lake in a small birch canoe. 

— Gilliland. 

1828 The Champlain Transportation Company held 

its first annual meeting for the election of officers at 
Burlington with William A. Griswold, Pres. 

1868 A public meeting of citizens of Plattsburgh 

village held at the Court House to consider the sub- 
ject of supplying the village with pure and wholesome 
water, 

1908 Death, at the advanced age of ninety-four years 

and one month, of Margaret Anne Freligh Piatt, 
daughter of John G, and Margaret O. Savage Freligh 
and widow of Hon. Moss Kent Piatt. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 39 



FEBRUARY 1 

Then, suddenly, my pneumatic messenger comes to the 
window with a fresh bit of news, or at least the likeliest of 
rumors. The February wind ceases to moan and cry. Nature 
has felt a strange, involuntary stirring in her prisoned members, 
and suddenly the air becomes full of questioning. 

— James Buckham in A Pneumatic Calendar. 

1766 All the cattle were brought to Milltown (Gilli- 
land's settlement on the Boquet) from Wm. Luckey's. 

— Gilliland. 

1767 — warm weather. — Idem. 

1870 The Rev Archdeacon George C. Pennell, S. T. D. 

began his charge with St. John's and Christ's churches 
in Champlain and on the same date Clinton County- 
Associate Mission was formed, including the six 
Episcopal churches existing in Chateaugay, Ellen- 
burgh, Centre ville, Chazy, Champlain and Rouse's 
Point, all these parishes occupying a territory forty- 
five by nine miles in extent. 

1889 Free postal delivery system went into opera- 

tion in Plattsburgh. 

1896 A gavel donated to Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. 

by Mr. John Henry Myers. This gavel, made from 
wood taken from the "Royal Savage," Gen. Arnold's 
flagship in the battle of Valcour, is trimmed with 
bands of silver made from a spoon that once belonged 
to Mrs. Lawrence Myers, mother of the donor, the 
bands exquisitely engraved with the name of Chapter 
and giver. 



40 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

FEBRUARY 2 

1796 Near the northern base of Coon mountain in 
what was then EHzabethtown but is now a part of 
Westport, while returning upon the ice from a visit 
to his friend Piatt Rogers at Basin Harbor, William 
Gilliland, the pioneer of Champlain Valley, perished. 
His remains were interred in the Essex village ceme- 
tery but in 1900 were removed to Lakeview cemetery 
in the town of Willsboro under the supervision of 
his descendant, John Bleecker Cuyler of Willsboro. 

"The former lord of a vast domain, the generous 
patron and tender father, the dispenser of munificent 
hospitalities, the associate and counsellor of vice- 
royalty, died far away from human care, of cold and 
famine, with no voice of love to soothe his sufferings, 
and no kind hand to close his dying eyes." 

— Winslow C. Watson. 

In " Pioneer History of Champlain Valley." 

1797 Charles Piatt, the first settler of Plattsburgh, 
I appointed judge in the Court of Common Pleas. 

1874 Mrs. Mary L. Fletcher and her daughter Miss 

Mary M. Fletcher gave to a Board of Trustees of the 
Fletcher Free Library of Burlington, the sum of 
$10,000 for the purchase of books and a further sum 
of $10,000, the income of which was to be used in 
increasing the Library. 

1880 The Rev. Joseph Gamble unanimously called to 

the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church. 

FEBRUARY 3 

The February wind is distinctly interrogative. 
Its voice has a rising inflection. It brings you a 
rumor, yet with an accent of conviction. 

— James Buckham. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 41 

FEBRUARY 4 

1667 The officers of the Carignan Regiment gave a 

ball at Quebec — the first given in Canada, sixty 
years after the founding of the colony. 

After the coming of the Carignan Regiment, 
there was a decline in the standard of morals. 

— Colby. 

FEBRUARY 5 

1 767 — colder than yesterday, and sharp small snow, 

lake all frozen. — Gilliland. 

1785 The twelve patriarchs, Zephaniah Piatt, Peter 

Tappan, Zaccheus Newcomb, Nathaniel Piatt, Piatt 
Rogers, Charles Piatt, Thomas Tredwell, Simon R, 
Reeves, Melancthon Smith, Jonathan Lawrence, 
Israel Smith, John Addams, accepted a proposition 
made at a meeting of the proprietors in New York 
City, to give to such of the associates as should 
within tw^o years build a dam and mill on the Saranac, 
the exclusive title to the Fredenburgh Falls mill 
lot of fifty acres, and also one hundred acres on the 
north side of the river at its mouth. 

1800 Thomas Macdonough, the future hero of Lake 

Champlain, warranted midshipman in the U. S. navy. 

FEBRUARY 6 

1767 — very cold nay colder than yesterday, but 

clear. — Gilliland. 

1785 The title to the 100 acres and to the Freden- 

burgh Falls mill-lot vested by deed in the twelve 
associates who met at Judge Piatt's house Dec. 30 
of the previous year. 



42 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1840 Death of Hon. Kinner Newcomb at the age of 

eighty-four. He was bom at Nine Partners, Aug. 
17, 1756; served with Col. Melancton Smith's Rangers 
and in other branches of the service until 1782, after- 
wards drawing 600 acres of land for his services. 
In Plattsburgh lot number 5, containing 81 acres 
lying west of Catherine Street and adjoining the 
mill-lot, was given to him and on this he built his 
house, his son Piatt, being the first male child bom 
within the limits of the new town. For many years 
Kinner Newcomb was a judge of the county courts ; 
twice represented his county in the Legislature and 
in the War of 181 2 was at the head of a company of 
" Silver Greys " ready to turn out at a moment's 
warning. 

1 849 In her home on Margaret Street corner of Cornelia 

died Eliza Miller, daughter of Dr. John Miller and 
wife of Judge Levi Piatt. She was the mother of 
eight sons and four daughters, a model mother and 
amiable hostess. 



FEBRUARY 7 

1767 — " snowey day, not so cold as the preceding; 

this evening we compute the snow to be 15 inches 
deep on a level." — Gilliland. 

1837 The widow (Mary Townsend Addams, then 86 

years old,) of Major John Addams of Cumberland 
Head applied for pension. Her claim was allowed 
for the services of her husband as a Superintendent 
of Mechanics for the period of two years. 

1874 The Y. M. C. A. of BurHngton presented its 

library to the Fletcher F'ree Library. 




HON. PETER SAILLV 
1754-1826 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 43 

FEBRUARY 8 

1759 Marriage of William Gilliland and Elizabeth 

Phagan, daughter of Mr. Phagan of the island of 
Jamaica but then residing in New York for the pur- 
pose of educating his children. Her marriage dowry- 
was fifteen hundred pounds. 

1801 By the " Reverend Mr. Halsey, Minister of 

Plattsburgh " Lodema, daughter of John Ransom 
and his wife Rhoda Pratt, and John Craig a native 
of Scotland who had settled in Canada, were mar- 
ried. They made their home on a farm of 500 acres 
on the lake shore in Peru where John Craig built 
the first and only dock (Peru landing) between 
Essex and Cumberland Head. 

1809 Peter Sailly appointed collector of customs under 

Jefferson for the district of Champlain. 

1878 At his Elizabethtown home, died Judge Augustus 

C. Hand. 

" As a lawyer — a model for imitation. As a 
citizen and neighbor — the embodiment of man- 
hood's ideal, kind, liberal, truthful, upright." 

— Tribute of George Levi Brown. 

1896 Mill of the High Falls Pulp Company of Chateau- 

gay commenced running. 



FEBRUARY 9 

1761 The marriage of Capt. John Corbin, Jr., son of 

John, Sr., to Abigail Cabot, daughter of Rev. Marston 
and Mary (Dwight) Cabot, took place. They first 
made their home at Killingly, Conn., where their 
children Charity, Martha and Royal were bom. 
Then they went to Kinderhook and afterwards to 



44 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Albany, where Capt. Corbin owned a Hudson River 
sloop. He was a captain in the Revolution and was 
present at the battle of Bemis Heights and Burgoyne's 
surrender. Investing his means in Continental money 
he lost his property. His wife died June 26, 1777. 

1767 — close warm weather, covered our coal kill; 

this day we had a very thick small soft snow which 
continued all day. — Gilliland. 

1893 The CathoHc Summer School received an abso- 

lute charter from the Regents of the University of 
the State of New York. 

1895 Incorporation of Plattsburgh Institute, the ob- 

ject of which is to cultivate a more general interest 
in the history of Plattsburgh and vicinity, and to 
perpetuate the memory of many important historic 
events of the Champlain Valley. Pres., Dr. D. S. 
Kellogg; Sec. and Treas., Hiram Walworth; Trustees: 
George F. Bixby, George E. Pond, David S. Kellogg, 
Elmer F. Botsford, Hiram Walworth. 

1899 In the historic house built by Capt. Sidney 

Smith, U. S. N., died Joseph Romeo Emerson, son 
of Joseph and Sarah Malvina (Tabor) Emerson. 
Mr. Emerson was one of the last survivors remember- 
ing the battle of Plattsburgh. As a boy of five from 
his home North Island City he saw the smoke of the 
battle, heard the guns and next day witnessed the 
return of the Vermont militia. In 1666, the very 
year that the French were making such incursions 
into the Mohawk country, Thomas Emerson, from 
Durham, Durham county, Eng., the first of the name 
in America, came to Ipswich, Mass. 

1901 The Adirondack Chapter, Daughters of the 

American Revolution, was organized at Malone, N. Y. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 45 

FEBRUARY 10 
1763 By the treaty of peace signed in Paris, France 

formally ceded to Great Britain the Province of 
Canada. 

— No more, thank God! the cannon thunders forth, 
Or sabre flashes in the smoke and gloom. 
Peace, Peace! — for snowy mantled Peace make room 
And Love, that in the heart of God had hirth. —Buckham. 

1767 — snow continued until 4 in the afternoon, then 

stop'd, we now compute the snow to be 20 inches 
deep on a level. — Gilliland. 

1789 Ethan Allen, being short of hay on accoimt of 

a partial failure of crops the preceding summer, 
with his ox-sled and pair of horses and his black 
man for a driver, crossed the ice to Allen's point, 
South Hero, to the house of his friend, Col. Ebenezer 
Allen, who had promised him a supply. His host 
having invited a number of old acquaintances to 
spend the afternoon and evening Allen was induced 
to remain until morning although the hay was 
already loaded, 

1877 Died in Washington, D. C, Rear Admiral 

Theodorus Bailey, son of Judge Wm. Bailey and 




COMMODORE BAILEY 



46 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

grandson of Capt. Nathaniel Piatt of Plattsburgh. 
In the expedition against New Orleans Bailey, then 
a lieutenant, was sent by Farragut with Lieut. Per- 
kins, to demand the surrender of the city. Abreast, 
unguarded and alone, the two young officers walked 
through the street while the mob shouted " Shoot 
them! Kill them! Hang them! " 

1888 At his home 27 Broad Street, died Joseph 

Willard Tuttle, descendant of Samuel Tuttle Senior 
and Junior, Revolutionary soldiers of Littleton, Mass. 
From infancy his life was spent in the Champlain 
Valley ; his education acquired in the common schools 
and academy at Burlington and his knowledge of 
the printing business to which his life was devoted, 
in a regular apprenticeship in the office of Chauncey 
Goodrich. His acquaintance with men and knowl- 
edge of the newspaper business was obtained through 
connection as editor or publisher with the follow- 
ing publications: — the Watervliet Advocate, the Frank- 
lin Republican of Sheldon. Vt., Burlington Free Press, 
Clinton County Whig, American Sentinel, and Sentinel 
but the failure of his eyesight in i860 put an end to 
all editorial work and the great fire of 1867 brought 
to the front the indomitable pluck and courage of the 
man. It was during his ownership of the Clinton 
County Whig that through his advocacy the interest 
of the people was aroused in the setting out of the 
shade trees which to-day adorn our streets. 

1895 Plattsburgh Normal School places a bronze tab- 

let upon Bridge Street Bridge in " Commemoration 
of the Gallant and Successful Resistance of the 
American Troops to the Repeated Attempts of the 
British Army to cross the bridge over the Saranac 
River at this Point, September 5-1 1, 18 14." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 47 

FEBRUARY 11 

*^^7 . ~^ pleasant day, laid the hearth in oiir room, 

this day. G. Belton's man came on the ice frorti 
home to Chism's Point, good walking.— G'^'Ma;^^. 

The first premonition of spring is a subtle tone 
of the wind — perhaps the most subtle of any; yet 
a trained and attentive ear can hardly miss or mis- 
take it. I find that I have a different mood, at once, 
when the February wind begins to blow. 

— James Buckham. 

1789 This morning Gen. Allen got upon the load of 

hay and his black man drove towards home, the 
Indian Rock farm. Several times he called back to 
his master and though receiving no answer thought 
nothing of it until his arrival when the General was 
found to be unconscious in a fit of apoplexy. 

1811 Daniel Wright who had fought at Bunker Hill, 

Ticonderoga, and Saratoga and under Stark, Reed 
and St. Clair, was commissioned Brigadier-General; 
Luman Wadhams, Captain; and Daniel B. McNeil,' 
Adjutant of the 37th regiment. 

FEBRUARY 12 

1666 ^ De Courcelles, having rested his men after their 
mcursion into the Mohawk country, suddenly broke 
camp and hastily retraced his steps to Lake Cham- 
plain and thence to Canada. 

1767 — delightful weather, the sun Wcinn.—Gtlliland. 

1789 Gen. Ethan Allen died at his farm near " Indian 

Rock," Burlington. 



48 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1809 Arrival in Burlington of the notorious John 

Henry, sent as an emissary among the Federalists 
of New England by Sir John Craig, Gov. of Canada. 

1 895 Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. organized with twenty- 

three charter members. Mrs. Pauline C. Stoddard, 
Mrs. Julia R. Nichols, Mrs. Jeannette A. Corbin, 
Mrs. Frances R. Weed, Mrs. Mary S. Warren, Mrs. 
Caroline W. Farns worth, Mrs. Martha B. Wolff, Mrs. 
Katherine M. Piatt, Mrs. Lucy B. Sowles, Mrs. Sarah 
P. Fuller, Mrs. Susan A. Kellogg, Miss Theodora 
Kyle, Miss Helen M. Palmer, Miss Helen D. Wood- 
ward, Miss Erminia Hall, Miss Margaret S. Beckwith, 
Mrs. AHce S. Whittelsey, Miss Elizabeth Ross, Mrs. 
Jeannette B. Tuttle, Mrs. Augusta W. Cady, Mrs. 
Julia Russell Myers, Vice Regent, Mrs. Mary McGill 
Gamble, Historian, Mrs. Margaret P. Myers, Cor- 
responding Secretary. 

FEBRUARY 13 

1755 — All the stock of sugar and molasses (at 

Milltown) quite expended. — Gilliland. 

1798 At Fairfax, Vt., was born Hiram Bellows, 

youngest child of Col. James and Trypena (Chandler) 
Bellows, who were married at Hartford, Conn., 1780. 

FEBRUARY 14 

1823 An act was passed authorizing the Judges of 

the Clinton Common Pleas to erect " a tollgate " 
at or near the dwelling house of Benj. H. Mooers, 
eighteen miles west of Plattsburgh village. 

1860 Died in Washington, Capt. Horace Bucklin 

Sawyer of Plattsburgh, who had served under Lieut. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 49 

Sidney Smith, had endured a year's captivity at 
Halifax; served on the Constitution in the engage- 
ment and capture of the Cyane and Levant ; had been 
stationed at Boston; sailed before the mast in an 
India ship, served in the South American squadron, 
in the West Indies, in the Mediterranean and on 
military duty on Canadian frontier. In his travels 
he had met Capt. Douglass, the Duke of Wellington, 
Sir Edward Codrington, Admiral Sir Michael Sey- 
mour, Sir Astley Cooper, Gen. Lafayette and many 
others. For many years, previous to 1850, Capt. 
Sawyer lived in the wooden house, built about 1820, 
No. 268 Main Street, Burlington, but after his mar- 
riage to Miss Wadworth, a sister of Mrs. Cornelius 
Halsey of Plattsburgh, he removed to that place 
living at No. 40 Cornelia Street. His wife and 
several children survived him. 



FEBRUARY 15 

1766 All the 8 bbl. pork and 3 carcasses of beef being 
finished J. W. set out for Crown Point for sweetening 
which he sent home the 20th. — Gilliland. 

1767 warm, dull weather. — Idem. 

1782 Wm. Irish, Leonard Owen, Amos Mansfield, 

Absalom Taylor and Thos. Dewey commenced the 
settlement of the township of Milton. They were 
soon joined by Gideon Hoxsie, Zebadiah Dewey, 
Enoch and Elisha Ashley with others. 

In Stephentown, N. Y., to Capt. John Douglas, 
patriot, and Hannah Brown his wife, was born a 
daughter, Abigail. With her parents she removed 
to Chazy in 1793 and, about 1801, became the wife 
of John Louis Fouquet who, in 1798 had opened a 
small boarding house in Plattsburgh, near the site 



50 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

of the present Fouquet house. This first building 
was burned during the battle of Plattsburgh by hot 
balls from the fort and the next year (1815) a second 
house was built which was destroyed by fire in 1864. 
This couple had four children, Douglas Louis, Merrit 
Louis, Hannah Louise and Amherst Douglas. 

1834 Birth of Frank Palmer (afterwards Colonel) son 

of William Palmer who came to Plattsburgh from 
Hoosick, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., about 1840. Wilham 
Palmer combined the occupations of farmer, mer- 
chant and manufacturer of cotton and woolen cloths. 
He built the first mills on the sites now occupied by 
the Lake Champlain Pulp and Paper Company ; also, 
the woolen mills on Bridge street. 



FEBRUARY 16 

1757 — got our hay and the Bateaux brought by 

oxen across Eliza Bay to Eliza Point and hailed up 
on the bank, went with R. McAuley, to Willson and 
Goodrich's house in Burton to take an acct. of their 
effects in the hands of their manager Wm. Hulme, 
which we did, they having broke up their settlement 
and discharged their said Steward. We took 2 
sleighs loaded with the most valuable goods to the 
Messrs. McAuley's house, the sleighs being drawn by 
Hulme's men. 

This day began a survey of the edge of the lake 
from the eastern extremity of the sandy beach on 
Pine point to the Cloven Rock. — Gilliland. 

1789 Gen. Allen's remains were interred with the 

honors of war in the grave yard at Winooski falls, 
(Green Mount Cemetery) his military friends from 
Bennington and all the surrounding country assem- 
bling to do him honor. Ira Allen, his youngest 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 51 

brother, arrived in Burlington on the day of Ethan's 
death and wrote of it to their brother Levi, then in 
London. 

Upon Winooski's pleasant shore 

Brave Allen sleeps 

And there beneath the murmuring pine 
Is freedom's consecrated shrine. 

— Mary Hunton of Hyde Park. 

1847 A ladies' fair was held in the lower room of the 

Academy which netted about $600 and the sum 
augmented by private contributions and money 
voted by the Trustees enabled the latter to add a 
third story and build up the angle then included 
between the north and west wings, painting the 
whole. These repairs were completed by Septem- 
ber I, 1850. 

1 89 1 Public meeting for discussing the matter "of 

raising funds for purchase of necessary lands for 
Plattsburgh Military Post Extension. Committee 
appointed on purchase of land, finances, and reso- 
lutions. 

FEBRUARY 17 

I said in my doubting heart, 
" Our lives are set oceans apart." 
% Then Love took his measuring wand, 

And lo! neither sea was nor land! 

— James Buckham. 

1814 Benjamin Hazen Mooers, son of Gen. Benj. 

Mooers was married to Margaret Piatt, daughter of 
Dr. John and Elizabeth (Smith) Miller. 

1857 Died in St. Albans, the Rev. David Dobie, 

pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Plattsburgh 
1 844-1 85 5. Of his father he often said, " I would 
rather have the memory of my father's piety and 



52 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

my interest in his prayers than the best wordly 
estate that was ever left a child." 



FEBRUARY 18 

1 767 — this morning observed the bearing of Logan's 

point from G. Belton's and found it to be N. 38° E. — 
then R. McAuley's, W. McAuley's, and G. Belton 
went with me on a straight line, over the ice to 
Logan's; at the west end of Logan's point took an 
observation of the bearing of McAuley's house which 
found to be S. 75° W. on which course chained across 
and found the distance to be 35 5 i chains, from 
McAuley's door to the end of Pine Sandy point, or 
rather the east end of the easternmost log lying on 
Sd point, and found it to be N. 11° E. Distance, on 
that line (which we chained) 71 chains. 

— this day our people were girdling trees on 
Camp Islsind.^Gilliland. 

FEBRUARY 19 

1 767 — this day I came home ; the weather has been 

rather sharp these 3 days, this however was the 
warmest, though a strong wind, but it was southerly. 

^Gilliland. 

1807 Pliny Moore was appointed judge in the Court 

of Common Pleas. 



1814 



' Your company is requested on 

* Thursday evening, the twenty-fourth 
' instant, at a Ball, to be given 

' at Israel Green's Hotel, 
' Major Lomax, ^ 
' Capt. Rees, I ,^^ 

• John Bleecker, f" Managers. 

' R. H. Walworth, J 




FROM AN- OIL PORTRAIT XOW OWNED BV A DESCENDANT IX CHICAGO 

GKNERAL BENJAMIN MOOERS 

I758-1S38 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 53 

This invitation was printed in old English text, 
on the reverse side of an ordinary playing card, the 
Queen of Diamonds. 

1839 Zephaniah Palmer surveyed what is now called 

Lyon Street, west of Port Jackson. 

1844 Died in the house on Water Street, built by him 

in 1796, the first of brick in Burlington, Dr. John 
Pomeroy aged nearly 79 years. For forty years he 
had been a leading physician and surgeon, occupying 
at first a log cabin which stood in what is now Pearl 
Street. At sixteen he was a soldier in the patriot 
army but afterwards studied Physic. " He was a 
unitarian of the most thoroui^h kind." 



FEBRUARY 20 

1767 —a warm south wind produces a great thaw 

(together with a little rain) the snow was reduced 
to about a foot or less. — Gilliland. 

Almost any one may notice, I am sure, a difference 
between the sounds of the two winter winds — -for there are two, 
as I have indicated. The first wind is painfully sharp and 
strained and seems pitched in a minor key. The second is 
rounder and fuller and more resonant, with a certain robust 
quality, and rings out plainly in a major key. 

— James Buckham in A Pneumatic Calendar. 

1802 Chesterfield taken from Willsborough. 

1838 At his home, corner of Peru and Bridge Streets, 

died Gen. Benjamin Mooers, a soldier of the Revolu- 
tion and early settler of Clinton county of which he 
was the first sheriff and, for 42 consecutive years, 
from 1 788-1830, county treasurer, besides holding 
many other important offices. 



54 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

In the war of 1812 as Major General of the State 
militia, he was placed in command of the Northern 
division, the State being divided into two grand 
divisions — north and south. His command did 
picket duty and resisted the enemy's advance from 
beyond Culver's Hill to Plattsburg, guarding every 
point along the Saranac with great vigilance. 

1853 Died in Plattsburgh, Mary Daggett, wife of 

Robert Piatt and the last survivor of her father's 
family. Her father, the Rev. Naptha Daggett of 
New Haven was President of Yale College from 
1766 to 1777, and his daughter "inherited the 
Puritan faith and the Puritan integrity and simplicity 
of character in a marked degree." In 1833 her hus- 
band gave the land upon which the M. E. Church at 
Valcour stands, paid for the mason work and doubt- 
less contributed tow^ards its erection. Shortly after, 
during a series of revival services held in it Robert 
Piatt made a profession of his faith and united with 
that church. 



FEBRUARY 21 

1767 —last night it began to freeze, and this day it 

froze very hard, with a cold north wind; yesterday 
we broke the tongue of our log sleigh, and this day 
procured another one which is this evening almost 
made. Find our coal kiln not ^ burnt, owing we 
suppose to the want of sod in covering it, the sods 
we put on being only lumps of sandy loam frozen, 
which when thawed run down between the billets 
of wood and choked the kiln. — Gilliland. 

1784 At Westminster Gen. Ethan Allen was married 

to Mrs. Fanny Buchanan, " a lady possessing in an 
eminent degree, every graceful qualification requisite 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 55 

to render the hymeneal bonds felicitous." From this 
union there were three children, Ethan Voltaire, 
Hannibal and Fanny, who became a nun and died 
in the Hotel Dieu in Montreal. Fanny Allen Hos- 
pital in Burlington perpetuates her name. 



FEBRUARY 22 

1797 Was born Horace Bucklin Sawyer, third son of 

Col. James Sawyer who removed from Brandon to 
Burlington in 1786, his father, Col. Ephraim Sawyer 
of Lancaster, Mass., with his numerous family 
emigrating the same year to Grand Isle county, Vt. 

1826 The Rev. Moses Chase ordained and installed 

pastor of the First Presbyterian church. " A man 
of stalwart frame, strong mind and noble bearing. 
* * * He spoke with authority, and not as the 
scribe ; and his speech was effective. Strong men and 
aged sinners were bowed and brought to repentance by 
it ; and this work was proved to be of God. * * * 
He was bold and fearless in reproof and warning, and 
set against profanity, Sabbath breaking and rum 
drinking, rife in the community." 

The Rev. Alanson D. Barber (Beekmantown, 1818 — Willis- 
ton, Vt. 1902) in sermon on "The Pastors of the Church" — Cen- 
tennial Anniversary — Oct, 1897, 

1833 The Champlain Transportation Company be- 

came owner of the real estate at Shelburn Harbor, 
together with both the old " Champlain Steamboat 
Company's " boats, the " Phoenix " and the " Con- 
gress." 

" Nothing is clearer to my view than that politics and 
the temperance reformation should never be blended. " 

— Jonas Piatt. 



56 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1834 Died at his home in Peru near Port Jackson, 

to which he had come in 1829 on the invitation of his 
brother Robert who gave him half of his own pro- 
ductive acres, Judge Jonas Piatt, " one of the most 
distinguished men in the State — wise, upright and 
patriotic, as well as learned, eloquent and able." 
The public offices and positions of trust held by him 
are almost too numerous to mention, but his last 
years were spent quietly overlooking Lake Cham- 
plain " winning the friendship of all who knew him 
and doing good as he found opportunity." 

1908 In celebration of Washington's birthday Saranac 

Chapter, D. A. R. held a reception at the home of 
Mrs. A. M. Warren, granddaughter of Peter Sailly 
in whose honor the flag of France was displayed with 
that of America. In the ancestral home which stood 
on the same site and a part of w^hich is used in the 
present structure, John Jacob Astor, Eleazer Williams, 
(thought by many to be Louis XVII heir to the throne 
of France), and such army officers as chanced to be 
stationed at the Barracks, were often entertained 
during the long period when Mr. Sailly was collector 
of customs. It was here that desperate smugglers 
intent upon the recovery of goods that had been 
seized made a night attack but without success. 
Family heirlooms, among them an arm chair once 
the property of Washington were displayed. 



FEBRUARY 23 

1767 — moderate weather, from this day to ist 

March, were employed in cutting fencing stuff, and 
white oak, black birch, elm, beech, maple, and ash, 
for sawdng, being the best season for cutting timber 
for last. — Gilliland. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 57 

1781 Alburgh, Vt., received its charter. Its first set- 

tlers were from St. Johns in Lower Canada who had 
fled there as loyahsts from the states during the 
Revolution. 

1805 First Calvinistic Congregational vSociety of Bur- 

lington organized. In 1905, celebrated its centennial. 

1820 Birth in Monkton, Addison Co., Vt., of Daniel 

Dodge, who revolutionized the making of horse-shoe 
nails. The first of this branch of the Dodge family 
in America, came from England and was a hoe- 
maker by trade. By accident while pursuing that 
occupation he discovered a simpler method of making 
nails than the one then used and this knowledge was 
passed from father to son. Jordan Dodge, grand- 
father of Daniel, an itinerant Baptist minister, 
removed from Connecticut to Granville, Vt., where 
he worked at his trade during the week and the Rev. 
John A., father of Daniel, also learned the trade. 

1865 A portion of the town of Burlington, about one 

mile and a half in width and extending along the 
shore of the lake from the Winooski river, its northern 
boundary, to a line about six miles south, was char- 
tered as a city. 

FEBRUARY 24 

1767 — set out for Great Sandy Point in order to 

survey from thence to the north end of John Fris- 
well's patent; arrived at the south end of high sandy 
cliffs (Ausable Point) at dark where we encamped 
and had a cold uncomfortable night's lodging on 
the snow, firewood being scarce there. — Gilliland. 

1854 Died in Burlington, John Howard, for thirty- 

five years proprietor of Howard's Hotel and father 



58 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

of Sion Earl, Daniel Dyer and John Purple (better 
known as John P.) Howard, late of the Irving House, 
New York, and Hannah Louisa and Catherine Maria, 
wife of Amos C. Spear. He was also survived by 
his wife Hannah Earl through marriage with whom 
in 1797 their children are lineal descendants not only 
of Roger Williams, but of Philip Sherman, and Dyer 
and Earl, his associates. 

EHzabeth C. Piatt, daughter of Hon. Moss K. 
Piatt and wife of John L. Stetson, died. 

1876 The greenhouses of Wm. H. Bailey, a grandson 

of Judge Wm. Bailey, were burned. 

1879 Howard Opera House, built on the site of the 

old Bank of Burlington by John P. Howard, was 
opened to the public. For twenty-five years it was 
used as an opera house and was one of the best 
audience rooms in New England but business require- 
ments demanded its reconstruction for store and 
office purposes. 

1909 From the bottom of the lake at Ticonderoga 

was raised a British war sloop, one of three, burned 
and sunk in 1777 by Col. Brown of Massachusetts 
after his re-capture of the fort. The sloop is ninety 
feet in length with two large cannon balls imbedded 
in the bow. 

FEBRUARY 25 

1767 — a warm pleasant day, proceeded to the south 

branch of Au Sable river, at the south side whereof 
began to survey northerly along Lake Champlain. 

— Gilliland. 

1820 Beekmantown formed from Plattsburgh and 

named from William Beekman, the patentee of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 59 

Beekman Patent. It was then a strip of land about 
four miles wide and extending from East to West, 
across the county. 

1850 The Plattsburgh and Montreal railroad organized. 

1858 Died John Freligh Piatt, only son of Moss Kent 

Piatt, aged 20 years. 

1898 Suddenly, at her home on Cumberland avenue, 

Fanny C. Bentley Wever, a member of Saranac 
Chapter and descendant of the patriot and pioneer, 
Capt. John Douglas of Chazy. 

And are they not then nearer, whom we see 
With eyes no longer bhnd? 

— James Buckham. 

FEBRUARY 26 

1767 — a close, dark, warm day; in the forenoon 

windy, in the afternoon some rain; it thawed fast; 
proceeded on the survey northerly. — the next 
course to this is N. 83° W., but the ice being covered 
with water we proceeded no further; supposed the 
dist. on this course to be about 8 ch. to S. end of the 
bay. The ist considerable point from the end of 
course, N. 75° bears N. 8° W. ; the 2d point bears 
north, the 3d point N. 2° E. being the point this side 
of Fredenbourgh, I think the S. east end of Cumber- 
land Head bears N. 52° 30' E., the N. W. end Island 
St. Michael bears N. 58° E., south end of Island St. 
Michael N. 77° E., south end of Grand Isle S. 55° E. 
Returned this night to Hulme's, where I stayed 
all night. — Gilliland. 

1797 Moses Hazen Mooers, nephew of Gen. Benj. 

Mooers, set out with his family from " Havershill " 
to " Plats Bourgh." 

1881 New grist mill commenced on Flat. 



6o Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1909 The Lake Champlain Association of New York 

city held its first annual reunion at Delmonico's. 
At the dinner over which Julius Seymour presided, 
short addresses were made by the president of the 
association, Hon. Francis Lynde Stetson and Gover- 
nor Hughes. 

FEBRUARY 27 

1766 This day J. W. returned from Crown Point hav- 
ing brought I bbl. rum, i bbl. molasses, a i bbl. pork 
from thence to Sloop island, whence it was brought 
by a sleigh and pair from C. Point which was obliged 
to insure at ;^5o. Ayers and King had been for 
several days absent, some thought they were hunting, 
others thought they ran off. — Gilliland. 

1767 —I came home this morning, this day my 
;;^io heifer calved, moderate warm weather, thaws 
fast. — Gilliland. 

1782 Grant of township formerly called Brownington 

to Samuel William Johnson and his associates. 

1866 The edifice of the third Congregational Society 

of Burlington, erected on the southwest corner of 
College and South Union streets, dedicated. It is 
of Gothic architecture and cost $50,000, its fine 
organ and beautiful stained-glass windows being 
memorial gifts from Mrs. H. P. Hickok, Mr. George 
Morton and Mr. J. H. Converse. 

1877 Rouses Point incorporated as a village. 

FEBRUARY 28 

1 766 — this day Luckey, Hicks and Taylor, — but 

word being come up that Ayers and King were 
returned, those 3 went to them. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 6l 

1767 — the cattle were all brought home, having 

finished the hay in the far meadows. 

Memorandum, that in December last, Mr. James 
Thompson deputy surveyor, and I performed a 
survey of part of the river Boquet, beginning at the 
head of Milltown Falls, 32 links distant from the 
edge of the river. — Gilliland. 

1779 William Hay, the first settler in what is now 

Peru, died. He lived on Stewart's Patent, on the 
farm now owned by Capt. Johnson and is said to 
have witnessed the naval engagement between 
Benedict Arnold and the British, known as the battle 
of Valcour. 

1787 Patents were granted to Zephaniah Piatt for 

the " Little Location," of 6,600 acres and for Isle 
St. Michael (Crab Island). 

1844 The Rev. David Dobie became pastor of the 

First Presbyterian church, " a young Scotchman, 
in his thirty- third year " who labored diligently and 
indefatigably among the people of this parish until 
failing health compelled his resignation. 

FEBRUARY 29 

1756 — Agreeable to orders from Col. Glasier, (then 

commanding at Fort William Henry) I this day 
marched with a party of fifty-six men down the west 
side of Lake George. We continued our route north- 
ward till the fifth of March. 

— Rogers the Ranger. 

1793 It was in the month of February, while Congress 

was enacting the laws by which Vermont was to 
become a member of the Union, that Prince Edward, 



62 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the fourth son of George the third, then a young man 
of twenty-four, afterwards Duke of Kent and father 
of Queen Victoria, passed through the Champlain 
valley. He had been in command of a regiment at 
Quebec and was now on his way to Boston. 

Arriving at Chazy with a large party, he crossed 
in thirteen carryalls and sleighs on the ice to Grand 
Isle and thence to Burlington, remaining until the 
third day. At that time there were but seven frame 
houses in the town and that of Phineas Loomis 
(site south-west corner of William Street), a large 
oak framed two story dwelling house just completed 
and surrounded by the original forest was the only 
one at which the Prince and his suite could be enter- 
tained. 

At Burlington the teamsters were dismissed to 
return to Canada and others engaged to take the 
Prince to Boston. The lady accompanying him, 
with whom he always conversed in French, started 
for New York, the two to meet, it was understood, 
in the West Indies. Before parting the Prince saw 
that the fur robes were tucked snugly about the 
traveller while a large dog lay at her feet. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 63 

MARCH 1 

The March wind, we might say, is the answer to the 
February wind's hopeful question, the absolute and jubilant 
confirmation of its rumor. — James Buckham. 

1763 Discontent and rebellion among the settlers of 

Milltown, put down by the wisdom and energy of 
Watson, a half-brother of William Gilliland, whom 
he had left as steward of his property. The fugitives 
from the settlement with their stolen property were 
overtaken at Perue Bay. Most of them ultimately 
returned to their allegiance. 

1767 — soft thawing weather. — Gilliland. 

1799 Essex County formed from Clinton. 

1809 Mr. Sailly received his appointment as Collector 

of Customs and within four weeks from that date 
he had personally visited the frontier from Rouses 
Point to the French Mills. He appointed as deputies 
Marinus Francis Durand, Cumberland Head; Horace 
Olds, Whitehall; Samuel Hicks, Champlain Village; 
Benjamin Graves, Chazy; Johns Himsden, French 
Mills. 

1830 The First Baptist church of Westport legally 

incorporated with the following trustees: Gideon 
Hammond, Piatt R. Halstead, Ira Henderson, George 
B. Reynolds, Dr. Dan S. Wright, Horace Holcomb^ 
and John Kingsley. 

1876 At his home on Macdonough street died Hon. 

Moss Kent Piatt. He had been a State Senator, 
a Republican Presidential Elector in 1868, in '72 
Inspector of State Prisons and since 1841 a ruling 
elder of the First Presbyterian church. 



64 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



MARCH 2 

The March wind is the most positive of all winds in the 
pneumatic calendar, and no one questions his ability to identify 
it, no matter under what circumstances it may be heard. 

— James Buckham. 

1767 — soft, thawing weather, killed the 2 sows, this 

afternoon Wm. Bogert of Albany left 7 hhds. of rum 
with me not being able to proceed down the lake, 
the ice being bad. — Gilliland. 

1814 About the first of the month Maj. Forsyth, with 

300 Riflemen and Dragoons had been sent to the 
lines near Champlain to protect the frontier and 
break up an illicit intercourse which had been carried 
on with the enemy during the winter, while Gen. 
Macomb and Col. Clark had been sent to the Vermont 
frontier for a similar purpose. The British becom- 
ing alarmed had occupied Lacolle and strengthened 
the forts at St. Johns and Isle Aux Noix. 

1819 Caleb Luther of Chazy became Sheriff of Clinton 

county, which office he held until Dec. 31, 1824. 

1826 In the " yellow school house " Mr. Ebenezer 

Mott from Crown Point was ordained pastor of the 
Baptist church of Keesevillc, the Revs. Samuel 
Churchill of Elizabethtown, Ephraim Smith of Chat- 
eaugay, Jeremy H. Dyer of Westport, and Stephen 
Wise of Jay assisting. 

1860 Fell asleep in Christ at Champlain the Rev. 

Abraham D. Brinkerhoff, for twelve years the faith- 
ful and beloved pastor of the Congregational Presby- 
terian church at that place. Thirteen clergymen 
acted as pall bearers at his funeral. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 65 

MARCH 3 

1763 He (Watson) then set off privately for Crown 

Point. — Gilliland's Journal. 

1767 — a snow storm, thaw continues; wrote by Mr. 

McKay, to Thos. Shipbog, Isaac Mann, Mr. Todd, 
wheelwright, etc. 

1789 The inhabitants of Clinton county decide to 

build a block-house at Plattsburgh to be used as a 
jail. This block-house on the lake shore was after- 
wards enlarged and used as a court house, school 
house and place of worship. 

1815 The Village of Plattsburgh incorporated. The 

first trustees were: Wm. Bailey, Jonathan Griffin, 
John Palmer, Reuben H. Walworth, Levi Piatt, 
Sam'l Moore. 

1833 At her home in Plattsburgh died Mary Bailey 

Hughes, third wife of Gen. Benj. Mooers. She was 
a daughter of Col. John Bailey of Dutchess county 
and sister of Judge Wm. Bailey of Plattsburgh. 
Her first husband was General Hughes of Revolu- 
tionary fame. 

1879 The resignation of the Rev. Edwin A. Bulkley, 

D.D., pastor of the First Presbyterian church, took 
effect. 

MARCH 4 

1763 On the night of the 4th returned with 6 soldiers, 

lay all night at George Belton's, there he got intel- 
ligence that all were gone off. — Gilliland. 

1767 — frosty morning, sent to the meadows for hay. 

Mr. Dean arrived here and agreed to become a settler 



66 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

on the lot of land I formerly granted to Wm. Luckey, 
to which Luckey has consented and I have agreed. 

— Gilliland. 

1791 Vermont admitted into the Union as a separate 

and independent state. 

Vermont! thou art a glorious State, 

Though small in acres and in skies; 
But 'tis not length that make one great, 

Nor breadth that gives a nation size. 
Thy mountains and thy mountain air 

Have reared a noble race of men. 
And women, fairest of the fair, 
Their labors and their love to share. 

Where shall we see their like again? 
I love them all, which most I shan't advise. 
Thy mountains, maidens or thy pumpkin pies. 

— A Vermonter in Clinton County Whig, Aug., 1851. 

1813 Col. Pike's regiment left Plattsburgh. 

1875 Died Charlotte Mooers Moore, daughter of Gen. 

Benj. Mooers and widow of Col. Amasa C. Moore. 



MARCH 5 

1756 We continued our route northward * * * and 

then steered east to Lake Champlain, about six miles 
north of Crown Point where by the intelligence we 
had from the Indians we expected to find some 
inhabited villages. We then attempted to cross the 
lake, but found the ice too weak. 

— Robert Rogers, the Ranger. 

Dunbarton, N. H., 1727 — England, abt. 1800. 

Every man did that which was right in his own eyes, 

— Judges, 17, 6. 

1763 Set out from G. Belton's for Milltown, found G. 

Hicks* house locked up. At Ayers found all their 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 67 

cattle ready shod, brought all the cattle home and 
marked them W. G., leaving a guard over Ayers' 
house least Mrs. Ayers or Mrs. Hicks should run 
away with intelhgence after the fellows, who were 
but a little way off. •■-■^ ^.^ 

Made immediate pursuit after the fellows from 
Ayers' to Bay Perrow; we soon came up with a large 
chest; about half way from the river to the bay 
found the ox sleigh well loaded, proceeded to within 
■| mile of the bay, where found Mr. Ayer and George 
Hicks, returning, after sending the others off; here 
discovered Hicks, proceeded to the bay, but could 
not see any of the others, they made quite off; then 
returned and brought all the goods home this night. 

— Gilliland. 

1767 — drew our coal kill, the weather warm and 

clear. — Gilliland. 

1785 Charles Piatt " set out " or, in other words 

began his journey from Dutchess county, in this 
state. At this time the snow was very deep and he 
traveled with horse and sleds all the way, coming 
on the ice through the lake. 

I see the sparkling snow; 
I view the mountain tops; 
I mark the frozen lake below, 
Or the dark rugged rocks. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1816 In an upper room of the Academy building The 

Clinton County Bible Society was organized with 
Pliny Moore of Champlain, as President; Dr. John 
Miller as Vice-President; Azariah Flagg, as Treas.; 
Wm. Swetland, Sec. 

Directors. 
The Rev. J. Byington and Roswell Ransom of 
Chazy, David Savage of Champlain, The Rev. 



68 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Nathaniel Hewitt, Wm. Pitt Piatt, James Trow- 
bridge and Gen. Melancton L. Woolsey, of Platts- 
burgh. 

1880 The Rev. Joseph Gamble, pastor-elect of the 

First Presbyterian church began his labors. 

1909 After more than two years' service in Cuba, the 

Fifth Infantry, including forty-two officers, band, 
machine gun platoon and 520 enlisted men, under 
command of Col. C. D. Cowles, returns to Platts- 
burgh Barracks. 

MARCH 6 

1763 — 6th, 7th, 8th March, the soldiers being storm- 

staid, set them to clear the ice from the trough and 
saw mill. — Gilliland. 

1767 — the w^eather warm and clear. — Idem. 

1783 Capt. Twiss is directed by " R. M." in a letter 

written from Quebec to purchase horses and sleds 
from the Loyalists who have arrived with them at 
the Loyal Block House and cannot return on account 
of bad ice. — Canadian Archives. 

1806 Uriah Palmer was elected deacon of the Baptist 

church at Keeseville. 

1811 Among the subscribers who agree to pay ten 

dollars for each share subscribed by them towards 
defraying the expense of building a school house in 
the village of Plattsburgh, we find Charles Marsh, 
I share; George Marsh, 3 shares; Gilead Sperry and 
Swetland, 5 shares; Gilead Sperry i share. George 
Marsh was one of the first trustees. 




JUDGE PLINY MOORE 

First White Settler of Champlain 
1759-1822 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 69 

1838 Essex County Academy at Westport received 

a charter from the Regents. The first trustees 
were Aaron B. Mack, Judge Charles Hatch, Charles 
B.« Hatch, George B. Reynolds, Ira Henderson, 
Norris McKinney, Barnabas Myrick, Caleb P. Cole 
and Joseph Cole. For twenty years this was one of 
the important schools in the valley, receiving pupils 
from New York and Montreal, from Vermont and 
all the towns of the county. The building was 
burned about 1874. 

MARCH 7 

1767 —executed leases for Mr. Dean, and let him 

and Luckey have sundrys for their settlement on 
their farm, the snow almost off the ground, especially 
where it has been cleared, the sun having much 
power, our wheat appears well, only the tops of the 
blades are withered. — Gilliland. 

Yet winter has some beauties left, 
Which cheer my heart forlorn. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1788 Clinton county erected from Washington and 

comprising four sub-divisions, viz., Champlain, Platts- 
burgh, Willsborough, and Crown Point, Lieut. Benj. 
Mooers commissioned First Sheriff of Clinton county. 
Champlain, one of the original towns of the county, 
formed. The first settlers were Scotch refugees and 
the lands were surveyed by Lieut. Mooers, while the 
first surveyor of the " Moorfield Patent " was Pliny 
Moore, afterwards Judge Moore. The first house 
was erected by the refugee Louis Goseline as early 
as 1784. He was also the first mason. 

1854 Edward Bingham Chamberlain" examined and 

^ approved by Suffolk South Association in Boston 

at the house of Dr. Lyman Beecher. 



JO Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1862 The 96th Regiment organized at Plattsburgh, 

during the winter of 1 861-2, under the command 
of Col. James Fairman, was mustered into the service 
of the United States and ready for " marching 
orders." 

MARCH 8 

1 767 — went on the river ice to the lake, slopy walking 

the sun thawing fast, went to Mr. Auley's and stayed 
all night. — Gilliland. 

18 i4 The commission of John Larkins, son of Loren 

Larkin, as Lieutenant of a Company in the 36th 
Regiment of Infantry, Thomas Miller Lieutenant- 
Colonel Commandant, passed the Secretary's Office, 
J. Ruten Van Rensselaer, Sec. 

MARCH 9 

1763 — J. W. set out with the soldiers for Crown 

Point, where he was detained 4 days, during which 
time he bought from Mr. Benzel the time of David 
Phleming, and from Capt. Brown's man 2 sows — 
and was then obliged to pay £^ or £6 for mending 
soldier's guns, which were broke falling on the ice. 

— Gilliland. 

1 767 — all hands went to make a yard for our hay, 

on my own lot on Eliza point, when we determined 
to bring all the hay remaining at Eliza meadow, and 
there to feed our dry cattle, here I have agreed with 
Thos. Burke to clear twenty acres of land for, 

— Gilliland. 

MARCH 10 

1767 — -engaged George Reynold for — month at £16 

per ann. and John Davi for — months at ;^io per 



Thhke Centuries in Champlain Valley 'J\ 

ann. This was a pleasant warm day, sent over 
cattle to Eliza point; yesterday during our absence 
George Hick's cow having gone into the ox stable 
was killed by one of the oxen. — Gilliland. 

MARCH 11 

1767 — a bitter cold day, freezes hard. — this day 

I made a survey of the south shore of Encamping 
island, beginning at the north east corner thereof. 

— Gilliland. 

1818 Installation of the Rev. Samuel W. Whelpley 

over the First Presbyterian church of Plattsburgh 
and the Rev. Stephen Kinsley over the daughter of 
this chiirch, the Presbyterian Church of Beekman- 
town. The sermon on this occasion on the text 
Ezk. iii:i7, " The Spiritual Watchman " was preached 
by the Rev. Daniel Haskell, pastor of the Congre- 
gational church of Burlington, Vermont and the 
charge to the people was given by President Austin 
of the University of Vermont. 

Mr. Whelpley, originally from New England and a 
Baptist had, while principal of Morristown Academy, N. ]., 
united with the Presbyterian Church, publishing his reasons 
for a change of views in a " Discourse delivered in the First 
Church." He was already an author of note when he came 
to Plattsburgh, having the previous year published " The 
Triangle " in which the leaders and views of the " Old 
School Theology " had been keenly criticised. This work 
created a sensation and undoubtedly hastened the division 
in the Presbyterian Church into Old and New School. 

MARCH 12 

1767 — a very cold day, as cold as at New Year's day. 

Messrs. McCracken, Rice, and Price, this day arrived 
from Montreal, on their journey for New York. 

— Gilliland. 



7^ 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



1772 Albany County divided, the new county includ- 

ing both sides of Lake Champlain and taking its 
name from Charlotte, daughter of William Gilliland 
and wife of the first clerk of Essex county, Stephen 
Cuyler. 

1785 Charles Piatt arrived in Plattsburgh from 

Dutchess county. 

How truly grand the scene! 

The giant trees are bare, 
No fertile meadows intervene. 

No hillocks fresh and fair. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1789 Vergennes elected Enoch Woodbridge, its first 

mayor, subsequently chief justice of the Supreme 
Court. 

1805 Reuben Baker received of Elisha Arnold ten 

dollars Town Bounty for having killed a wolf in the 
Town of Peru. 

1813 Lake Champlain Steamboat Company chartered 

by New York. 

1856 The Rev. Edward B. Chamberlain ordained and 

installed pastor of the Presbyterian church in Platts- 
burgh, President Pease of the U. V. M., his Alma 
Mater, preaching the sermon. 

MARCH 13 

1 767 — almost as cold as yesterday and small snow, 

conveyed the above gen" to Eliza point, where I 
have two men clearing land. — Gilliland. 

1804 Birth in Champlain of Lemuel, second son of 

Reuben and Lois (Smedley) Stetson. Lemuel Stetson 
became a law student in the office of Judge Julius C. 
Hubbell of Chazy and later in that of Judge Lynde 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 73 

of Plattsburgh. After his admission to the bar he 
removed to Keeseville where he was "one of the 
Hghts of the Keeseville bar " until the spring of 1848. 

1808 In Highgate (Saxe's Mills), Vt., died John Sax, 

the pioneer and ancestor of all of that name in the 
valley. Born in 1732 in Langen, Saltzo in Hanover 
(now Prussia), bereft of father at fourteen he made 
his way to Amsterdam and from there, with a com- 
panion, came to the " British province of Pennsyl- 
vania in America." Later he settled in the Province 
of New York remaining loyal to the king. Here 
(Rhinebeck) he was suspected of giving aid and 
comfort to the enemy, was arrested and thrown into 
prison at Esopus (now Kingston). Though threat- 
ened with death, he, conscious of his integrity, 
declared defiantly " There is not a rope in Esopus 
strong enough to hang me." After many months 
he was released there being no evidence against him. 
He then disposed of his property and, in June, 1786 
sought the Champlain Valley, Soon after coming 
to America he had applied himself with all diligence 
to mastering the English language but all his life 
enjoyed reading his German Bible and the services 
of the Lutheran church were held at his home where 
gathered all his German neighbors of the same faith. 
He was particularly anxious for the welfare and 
education of his children and it was his grandson, 
John G. Saxe, the poet who wrote: 

Is learning your ambition..' 

There is no royal road ; 
Alike the peer and peasant 

Must climb to her abode ; 
Who feels the thirst of knowledge, 

In Helicon may slake it 

If he has still the Roman will, 

" I'll find a way, or makejit! " 

— John G. Saxe^ 



74 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

The pioneer's remains rest in the cemetery at 
Philipsburg, Canada. 

1890 The S. F. Vilas Home for Aged and Infirm 

Women formally opened. 

MARCH 14 

1767 — " very cold clear weather," It was on this 

day that the carcass, hide and tallow of George 
Hicks' cow mentioned before, was disposed of at 
public auction, the net proceeds being ;^i 15 2. 
" This was a very cold clear day." — GilUland. 

1786 Hearing before the Commissioners of the Land 

office of the State of New York, at Mr. Heyers in the 
City of New York, of the claims of William Gilliland 
to several locations made by him under certain 
rights of sundry officers and privates of the Two 
Regiments raised for the defence of the State, which 
locations were subsequently set aside by this Board 
for the Canadian and Nova Scotia Refugees. 

1909 Col. C. D. Cowles receives through the War 

Department, his commission as a brigade commander 
in the inaugural parade at Washington on March 4. 
His brigade, the third, was composed of the Cuban 
Army of Pacification and included the Fifth Infantry 
(Organized 1798, one hundred and eleven years old. 
Campaign War, 181 2; Black Hawk and Seminole 
Indian Wars; Mexican and Civil Wars; Frontier 
Indian Wars; service in Cuba; PhiHppine Insurrec- 
tion; Cuban Pacification) Major W. O. Clark, com- 
manding. 

MARCH 15 

1760 In Dutchess county was born Dr. John Miller 

who came to Plattsburgh in 1795 with the family of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



75 



Judge Zephaniah Piatt and the Averills. He built 
the house at the head of Broad street, now known 
as the Hartwell place and resided there for more 
than forty years. His farm extended from the 
Saranac river on the south to the Capt. Nathaniel 




DR. JOHN MILLER 



Piatt estate on the north and the Edward Viel Allen 
place on the west. Dr. Miller was the pioneer 
physician of Plattsburgh, making his calls on horse 
back with the saddle-bags slung across the saddle. 

1767 Guy (?) weather begins to thaw. 

1790 Zepha Piatt gave Melancton Smith " rect. and 

discharge in full." 

1793 Capt. John Douglas, son of Asa, from Stephen- 

town, N. Y., landed with his wife and seven children 
at the lake shore of Chazy. His was the first EngUsh 
family that settled in the town and he became a 
man of great influence as the settlement increased. 

1834 Lake Champlain is now free from ice. — Platts- 

burgh Republican. 



76 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



MARCH 16 

1757 While the lake was still frozen and the snow 

lay in heavy drifts along its shores, a party of 1,100 
French and 400 Canadian Indians under Vaudreuil 
and the Chevalier Longueuil having marched from 
Ticonderoga lay all night upon the snow behind 
Long Point. 

1776 Birth in Rhinebeck, N. Y., of Matthew, fourth 

son of John and Catherine (Weaver) Sax. Matthew 
became a pioneer of Chazy and from him and his 
brothers Saxe's Landing took its name. 

1813 The 6th regiment left Plattsburgh. 

1826 In his home on Cumberland Avenue, died Hon. 

Peter Sailly, Collector of Customs for this district 
from 1809 until his death. 

1874 The association for a united, systematic effort 

in behalf of homeless waifs and strays of the street 
and county house, organized by Margaret F. Piatt, 
Sarah S. Williams, Catherine Frederica Buckley, 
Joanne W. Clark, Deborah T. S. Bixby, Mary M. 
Foot, Margaret E. Edwards, Margaret S. Palmer, 
Hannah S. Lansing, Welthy H. Orvis, Francis D. L. 
Hall, Charlotte M. Norton, Margaret P. Myers. 

MARCH 17 

In Cumberland Bay fair Undine to-day 

Lies bound in the fetters of sleep, 
But her lover, the Sun, soon northward will come 
To waken his bride of the deep. 

— Marion Stetson Palmer. 
f Champlain, 1837 — Plattsburgh, 1885. 

1756 We returned and marched round by the bay to 

the west of Crown Point, and at night got into the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley JJ 

cleared land among their houses and barns. Here 
we formed an ambush, expecting their labourers out 
to tend their cattle and clean their grain, of which 
there were several barns full. We continued there 
that night, and next day till dark; when discovering 
none of the enemy, we set fire to the houses and barns, 
and marched off. — Rogers the Ranger. 

— the only scout of fame, who after Lexington 
loved the King of England better than his country. 

—W. H. H. Murray. 

1757 The French, early the next morning, suddenly 

appeared before Fort William Henry, but John Stark 
with his rangers, forced the assailants back although 
they succeeded in burning several sloops, a large 
number of bateaux, and some store houses which 
stood beyond the reach of the fort. 

1767 • — laid out a piece of land on my mother's lot 

to be cleared by Jno. Smith and Thos. Burke, begin- 
ning at N. Smith's marked tree, on the bank of the 
lake, etc. — Gilliland. 

1775 The inhabitants of Willsboro agreed upon regu- 

lations concerning roads, fences, bridges and hogs, 
declaring these "to be binding on us respectively 
by every Tie of honor and honesty for the space of 
twelve months from this date." The signers were: 
Will Gilliland, Thomas Day, Martin Armstrong, 
Ebenezer White, George Bremmers, George Belton, 
William Wykes, Nathaniel Blood, Jonathan Flint, 
Thomas Day, William Cammeron, Jotham Gardner, 
Jacob Gardner. 

1783 Death of Major James Armstrong Wilson of the 

Cumberland valley who was captured by a party of 
observation under Frazier and Scott in July, 1777 
but was afterwards exchanged. 



78 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1788 In Lanesboro, Berkshire county, Mass., was born 

Julius C. Hubbell who removed to Champlain in 
1805 and entered the law office of his brother Silas 
as a student at the age of seventeen. 

1834 The steam ferry (Winooski, Capt. Dan Lyon) 

commenced her trips between Plattsburgh, Port 
Kent and Burlington. 



MARCH 18 

1767 Birth of Christiana Cutler, who became the wife 

of " Loren " Larkin and mother of his ten children, 
bearing her full share of the hardships of pioneer life 
in Clinton county whither they came in 1804. She 
died in 1845 " a very religious woman of the Universa- 
list connection but not of the pronounced views of 
that sect." 

1767 Wm. Gilliland ran the line between Robert and 

John McAuley's, marking the trees back f of a mile 
to a very large white oak. The same day James 
Logan came over on the ice to offer Gilliland his 
choice of a horse and mare he had brought from 
Canada on the i6th. Gilliland chose the mare and 
Robert McAuley went after her. 

1807 At Chateaugay was born John W. Bailey, son 

of Judge Wm. and Phebe Piatt Bailey and grandson 
of Capt. Nathaniel Piatt of Plattsburgh and Col. 
John Bailey of Dutchess coimty, both active patriots 
in the Revolution. 

1825 On the Arsenal lot, Broad street, took place the 

public execution of Peggy Facto, convicted of mur- 
dering her infant child. Gen. Benj. Mooers, in whose 
family the unfortunate woman had once been a 



Three Centuries iisr Champlain Valley 



79 



servant, always believed her innocent. On the day 
of her execution many people came on the ice from 
Grand Isle to witness the sad scene, but all were 
obliged to return by boat. 

1854 The fine brick residence of Moss Kent Piatt on 

the corner of Macdonough and Macomb streets was 
burned. The house with its furnishings was a bridal 
gift to Mrs. Piatt from her husband's uncle, the Hon. 
Moss Kent. At the time of the fire, a high wind was 
blowing and only the walls were left standing; the 
mahogany doors and mantel pieces of Italian marble 
were, however, saved and placed in the new house 
constructed later on the opposite corner. 

MARCH 19 

1763 J. W. set out from Crown Point for Willsborough. 

— Gilliland. 

1765 Powder horn of Judge Zephaniah Piatt made 

at " Poughkeapsy " by Samvel More. It is now in 
the possession of John St. Denis of Plattsburgh. 

1767 ^ —this forenoon he (Robert. McAuley) came 

with the mare, and Mr. Logan on his horse. Yester- 
day and to-day we had pleasant weather, fine sleigh- 
ing across the lake ; this afternoon we went down the 
river and round Chism's point to R. McAuley 's on 
the ice. This day the McAuleys begun to draw logs 
for themselves to the saw mill, and this day Smith 
and Burke began to clear on my mother's lot. 

— Gilliland. 
MARCH 20 

1 767 — a warm pleasant day. — Gilliland. 

1778 I was appointed ensign in a Regiment com- 

manded by Col. Moses Hazen, which was organized 



8o Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

on a different plan from any other regiment in the 
Revolutionary war, viz: Colonel, Lieut. Colonel, 
four Majors, twenty companies with a Captain, 
Lieut, and ensign to each company, which consisted 
of three Sergeants, three Corporals, Fifer, Drummer, 
and forty- two Privates. 

Recollections of Benjamin Mooers, gathered and compiled by him- 
self in Ms. at Plattshurgh in 1822. 

1804 Chazy and Mooers were set off from Champlain. 

The name of the former was from Chasy, an officer 
of the Carignan regiment, and that of the latter, 
from Lieut. Benj. Mooers, first permanent settler 
of the county. Sieur de Chasy was stationed at the 
new fort of St. Anne when, in June, 1666, ambassa- 
dors from the Mohawks and Oneidas, stopped there, 
bound on a peaceful mission to Quebec. The out- 
look was so favorable that the French officers relaxed 
somewhat their usual vigilance, and Chasy, with 
some of his brother officers and men, went on a 
hunting and fishing trip in the neighborhood. Here, 
they were met by a group of " Iroquois of the Agniers 
tribe " and Chasy, who was a nephew of M. de Tracy, 
the viceroy with whom the Indian deputies were 
then conferring, was killed with de Travesy, while 
the rest were made prisoners. The news of this 
tragedy, reaching Quebec, put an end to all negotia- 
tions and resulted in the expedition of M. de Sorel 
against the Mohawk villages. 

The same date, Schroon, named from the 
Duchess of Scharon, and Ticonderoga (Brawling 
Water) were organized. 

1807 First Congregational church in Mooers organized 

by thirteen members and the Rev. Benjamin Wooster 
and the Rev. Amos Pettingill. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 8i 

1859 Death of Hannah Saxe Scovell, ninth child and 

only daughter of John Saxe, the pioneer and wife of 
Josiah B. Scovell. 

1907 First Presbyterian church in Mooers celebrated 

its looth anniversary. 



MARCH 21 

1 767 — a close thick snow this morning, it appeared 

to have fell 2 inches last night. About sun setting, 
James Logan set out from Eliza sandy point, with 
his horse and a sleigh load of hay, to go home over 
the ice; he got safe to within ^ mile of his house, 
when his horse fell into a wide crack and was drowned ; 
Logan returned to McAuley's ; the latter part of this 
day was constant sleet and rain, the wind southerly, 
the forenoon being a wet snow. — GilUland. 

1838 At Malone Susan Maria Man, daughter of Albon 

Man, M. D., and his wife Maria (Piatt) Man, became 
the bride of the Hon. Hugh McCulloch, secretary 
of the treasiiry under Presidents Lincoln and 
Johnson. The bride's grandfather on her father's 
side was Dr. Ebenezer Man, brigade surgeon at the 
battles of Monmouth and Yorktown; and on her 
mother's side, the fearless Capt. Nathaniel Piatt. 

1842 At the early age of thirty-five, in her home 

corner of Margaret and Cornelia streets, died Eliza 
Piatt, wife of Henry Ketchum Averill and daughter 
of Wm. Pitt Piatt. Her tmcle. Chancellor Kent 
says of her in writing to her mother (his sister) : 
" She was a woman of strong mind, and of strong 
feelings, and of great energy and decision of char- 
acter." 



82 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

MARCH 22 

1767 — the wind about S. W., continued rain last 

night to lo o'clock this day; very sloppy and bad 
walking; Logan durst not venture to cross the lake, 
the snow and water concealing the most dangerous 
places. — Gilliland. 

1772 John Munro and others from Albany effected 

the capture of Remember Baker in his home in 
Arlington but he was rescued by Warner and others 
before the Hudson river was reached at the place 
where Troy now stands, 

1785 Peter Sailly, accompanied by his wife and three 

of his children, Charles, Bernadine and Julia, (Emelia, 
the baby, remaining with her aunts at La Rochelle 
until her twentieth year) embarked at L' Orient, 
France for America. They had a pleasant voyage 
of thirty-eight days. 

1800 Judge Zephaniah Piatt wrote from Plattsbiirgh 

to his friend George Clinton that he had never had 
a law suit, nor was he ever sued. 

1814 Clinton county records show that 8o rods of 

land, corner Bridge and Peru streets were deeded 
to Gen. Benj. Mooers. The house, a wooden one 
painted yellow was built and occupied by Thomas 
Green. Many years later it was bricked up. 

1822 Name of " Dansville " changed to Wilmington. 

Rueben Sanford, an early pioneer from Poultney, 
Vt., was the life of the place for half a century starting 
a potashery, opening a hotel and engaging in other 
enterprises previous to 1 812. A devout Methodist, 
when the flood of February, 1830 had washed his 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 83 

mills away, in open meeting he said, " I thank God 
for the religion of Jesus Christ which the fire cannot 
bum nor the floods wash away." 

1843 Died at Chazy Landing Benjamin Graves, one 

of the early settlers of Clinton county, residing in 
the towns of Plattsburgh, Altona, Champlain and 
Chazy. In the Revolution he served for over three 
years as a body servant to Gen. Washington and 
was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Elizabeth- 
town, Conn., Farms and Yorktown. 

1895 An ordinance was approved which established 

a paid Fire Department in Burlington. 



MARCH 23 

1763 Birth in Po'keepsie of Theodorus Piatt, eldest 

of the sons of Judge Zephaniah and Mary Van Wyke 
Piatt. Theodorus was one of the earliest settlers of 
Plattsburgh; was a justice of the peace and first 
surrogate of the county. His small office stood 
near a deep ravine on Margaret street near the 
southeast corner of Protection avenue. 

1767 — began to freeze a little at 10 last night, and 

continued to this morning, when a slender crust 
dried the snow a little. Logan ventured across the 
lake, and in all appearance got home safe; this is a 
soft, thawing day; the McAuley's haul home 9 logs 
however, from the white pinery. — Gilliland. 

1802 Uriah Palmer and Waterman Eels, Commis- 

sioners of Highways of the town of Peru, laid out a 
road described thus " And a road turned from George 



84 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Shavers E., line thence threw the Bald Plane Near 
Ferris Mills to the Great River as it is now cut out." 

1811 William Sowles, aged 72, died in Alburgh, Vt., 

where he had settled soon after the Revolution, 
supposing himself in British territory. As William 
Soule, he had served in the English navy and, at 
the battle of Saratoga, fought on the side of Bur- 
goyne. After the confiscation of his property, he 
started northward, intending to go to Canada. 
Tradition says he was the owner of the Astor House 
property on lower Broadway, New York city, which 
he leased for 99 years to the first John Jacob Astor, 
the lease expiring in 1900. 

1834 On the arsenal lot on Broad street for the mur- 

der of Leander Shaw, his son-in-law, Alexander 
Larabee, maintaining his innocence to the last, was 
hung. The Rev. Father Rafferty read a declaration 
to that effect from the scaffold. 

MARCH 24 

To do what gracious thing I may 
Belongeth only to this day. 

— James Buckhatn. 

1767 — this evening my large young red ox with a 

white face, died at Belton's; on opening him it ap- 
peared he had been hurt at the So meadow by two 
of the cattle that attacked him (one being Martin 
Taylor's ox) and this occasioned his death; the 
weather warm. — Gilliland. 

1800 Birth on South Island, Lake Champlain of 

Benajah Phelps, Jr., whose father, an early settler 
of Grand Isle, reared a family of 18 sons and 
daughters. Benajah, Jr., at the age of loi was the 
only surviving eye witness of the battle of Platts- 
burgh. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 85 

The same day was recorded the laying out of 
" a publick road four rods wide," (Bridge street) 
east from the Bridge by Jno. Roberts 3d and John 
Stephenson, commissioners. This road taking vari- 
ous directions corresponded in a general way to a 
portion of the present Peru, Macdonough, Hamilton 
(near the lake) streets. 

1811 On Sunday, by the Rev. Mr. Halsey, Mr. Bela 

Edgerton and Miss Phebe Ketchum, both of this 
village, were married. — Platisburgh Republican. 

1815 Northwest Bay became Westport. 

1886 In New York city, at the Grand Union Hotel 

on his way from the south died Samuel Flint Vilas 
of Plattsburgh. 

MARCH 25 

1767 — this afternoon ended with a thick heavy fall 

of snow. — GilUland. 

1785 The house of Charles Piatt, 18x20 feet, was 

finished and moved into. 

Yes! this is home! — Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1793 John Mooers of Haverhill, Mass., late from 

Corinth, N. H., with his wife and child Benjamin 
John, then six years old, crossed Lake Champlain 
from Grand Isle on foot over broken and breaking 
ice to the northeast part of Plattsburgh, now East 
Beekmantown, where he engaged in business for his 
brother, Lieut. Benj. Mooers. Three years later he 
left Point Au Roche and went with his brother to 
Cumberland Head where he continued in his employ 
until his death in August, 1803, leaving his wife and 
sixteen-year-old son in dependent circumstances. 



86 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

MARCH 26 

1690 Capt. Jacob d'Warm ordered by the authorities 

at Albany to proceed to Crown Point with 1 7 English 
and 20 Indians and there watch the movements of 
the enemy (the French and Indians). At this time 
he built a small stone fort at what is now Chimney 
Point in the tow^n of Addison. 

1767 — this was a very pleasant clear day and not 

cold, the maple trees rim fast the middle of the day. 

— Gilliland. 

1806 In BurHngton, whither he had removed about 

1800, died Col. Ebenezer Allen, the first settler of 
South Hero, after the grant of the " Two Heroes " 
in 1779. Col. Allen was a third cousin of Gen. Ethan 
Allen, an early settler in the New Hampshire Grants 
at Bennington and Poultney, and a Revolutionary 
soldier under Allen, Warner, Herrick and Gates. 

1814 Wm. Baker, a sergeant of the British Army 

(103d regiment of Infantry), was executed as a spy 
on the sand ridge between Court and Brinckerhoff 
streets, now site of Mount Assumption Institute. 

1823 In the Davidson homestead, overlooking Cum- 

berland Bay, was born Margaret Miller Davidson, 
the younger and equally talented sister of Lucretia. 
She began to write poetry when but six years old. 

On the Birth of a Sister. 
Sweet babe, I cannot hope thou wilt be freed 
From woes, to all, since earliest time, decreed; 
But mayest thou be with resignation blessed 
To bear each evil, howsoe'er distressed. 

— Written by Lucretia in her fifteenth year. 

1909 At Plattsburgh was organized the Nathan Beman 

Society, Children of the American Revolution, with 
Mrs. C. J. Vert, President. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 8/ 

1881 At Morrisonville died Henry Ketchum Averill, 

son of Nathan Averill, Jr., and Polly Ketchum, his 
wife. For nine years he served as postmaster. At 
the time those holding that office furnished the build- 
ing and the building then used and standing on 
Margaret street near No. 33 is now the dwelling 
No. 54 Oak street. Mr. Averill and Mr. Sailly were 
then partners in the iron business, owning the ore-bed 
at what is now Dannemora with a forge at Cadyville. 

MARCH 27 

1767 — a fine moderate day, Logan crossed the lake 

this morning and went home in the afternoon, having 
got G. McAuley to assist him to get his mare out of 
the lake and the skin taken off her, the ice pretty 
good. Farrell of Stillwater returned home a few 
days ago say 25th, on the ice. — Gilliland. 

1792 At a town meeting in North Hero John Hutchins, 

Benj. Butler and John Martin were appointed a 
committee to raise money for building a canal across 
the " Carrying Place " but were unsuccessful. 

1811 Died " Mr. Zenas Allen, Esquire " who had just 

removed to this village from Vermont and become 
established in a prosperous business. He was a 
Revolutionary soldier and was buried with masonic 
honors. 

1821 " Dansville " (now Wilmington) set off from Jay. 

1860 At her home in Peru died Catherine Robinson, 

wife of Samuel Keese and a regular preacher of the 
Society of Friends. Previous to her marriage for 
twenty years a popular teacher in Philadelphia and 
elsewhere, after that event she was recognized as 



88 Threk Centuries in Champlain Valley 

called to the ministry and from " the fourth month, 
1849 " she preached with force and eloquence not 
only in the Quaker meeting house at the Union, but 
in Friends' meetings in Philadelphia, Canada, west 
Central New York and Saratoga; also, on several 
occasions at Clinton Prison, 



MARCH 28 

He is a messenger, this March wind, who rides bareback 
and standing a string of a hundred horses, and sweeps more 
marvelously around the ring of the world than any spangled 
equestrian around his circle of sawdust. The roar of his passage 
and his hearty, re-assuring shout make the house rock, — and 
when he is oflE again you can hear him telling his good news in 
the next town. — James Btickham. 

1767 — fine, clear, pleasant weather; froze smartly 

last night. — Gilliland's Journal. 

1819 Birth of Matthew Davidson, brother of the 
sisters Lucre tia and Margaret. 

1820 Midshipman Charles Theodorus Piatt promoted 
to lieutenant, U. S. N. 

1828 Zephaniah Palmer surveyed and described the 

road which now runs to Harkness to the bridge at 
what he calls " the forks of Peru " (probably Ausable 
Forks). 

MARCH 29 

1767 — a soft day with sleet and rain, and some 

snow. — GilUland. 

1784 Bridport organized with John N. Bennet first 

town clerk; constable, M. Smith; selectmen, John 
Barber, Moses Johnson, Daniel Hoskins, Isaac Bar- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 89 

rows, and Marshall Smith (the same who had escaped 
from Quebec in 1779). 

1804 Saranac, formed from Plattsburgh. 

1814 4,000 men were collected at Champlain, of 

whom 100 were cavalry and 304 artillerists, having 
II pieces of cannon of small calibre. With this 
force Wilkinson planned an attack against Major 
Hancock of the 13th who, with 600 men, occupied 
a stone grist-mill on the banks of the LacoUe river 
about five miles north of the lines. 

1825 Died: — Judge Henry Delord, aged 61 years. 

He was a native of Nismes, France, and came from 
the island of Martinique to Peru where he kept a 
store and was post-master. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Joseph and Phebe Ketchum, and in 
1 810, removed to Plattsburgh purchasing from James 
Kent, the house on Bellevue (Cumberland) avenue, 
built by Nathan Averill, Sr., the hospitality of which 
became proverbial. 

1839 Ausable and Black Brook, formed from Peru, 



MARCH 30 

1690 Capt, Abram Schuyler was sent w^ith nine men 

and a party of Mohawks under Lawrence, to Otter 
Creek to watch the enemy; while there he led a 
scout of eight Indians as far as Chumbly, where he 
encountered a small party of French, of whom he 
killed two and took one prisoner. 

— while from the western shore the land, after 
a gentle rise for a short distance, falls off rapidly 
toward the Otter, leaving the broad and extensive 
valley of that stream open to the vision, which now 
wanders to the western borders of Lake Champlain, 



90 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

where the long chain of mountains that rise immedi- 
ately beyond, lies sleeping in the blue distance, and 
bounds the view of this magnificent scene. — Judge 
D. P Thompson in " The Green Mountain Boys.'' 

1766 — this day river thawed, and the sawmill was 
set agoing. — Gilliland. 

1767 — a bright, warm day. — Gilliland. 

1811 In Plattsburgh, died Thomas Allen, a soldier 

of the Revolution and a first settler of the town. 
In 1785, of the "gift lots," twelve in number, he 
received number three, containing 100 acres and 
adjoining on the south that of Charles Piatt while 
on the west it extended to the farm of Capt. Nathaniel 
Piatt. 

1814 In the morning the American army marched 

out of Champlain upon the OdeUtown road now 
nearly impassable for artillery, obstructed as it was 
by fallen trees and heavy snow drifts. Major Forsyth 
and his Rifles led the advance, followed by the 30th 
and 31st and part of the nth under Col. Clark; two 
corps of infantry under Bissell and Smith and a 
reserve of 800 men under Macomb brought up the 
rear. The attack on the stone mill ended disastrously 
for the Americans, their loss amounting to 104 
killed and wounded, among them several brave 
officers while the British loss reported was but 10 
killed and 46 wounded. At sundown the whole 
army retired to Odelltown. 

MARCH 31 

1767 — the sun very hot, froze none last night; this 

day rode my mare on the river to the lake, the ice 
good on both river and lake. — Gilliland. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



91 



1812 In Plattsburgh town records was recorded the 

laying out by Smith and David Broadwell, com- 
missioners of highways, of Hamilton, Jay and Wash- 
ington streets. 

1814 Gen. Wilkinson returned with his army to 

Champlain and from there Macomb was sent to 
Burlington while the main army fell back upon 
Chazy and Plattsburgh, to protect the military 
stores at the latter places. 

1849 In the evening William Piatt, son of Judge Levi, 

found his father dying from apoplexy in his arm 
chair but seven weeks after the sudden death of his 




JUDGE LEVI PLATT 

wife. Their next-door neighbor. Dr. Benj. J. Mooers, 
was hastily summoned from his accustomed place 
in the prayer-meeting of the Presbyterian church, 
but without avail. Of Judge Piatt it was said: 

" He was a poUshed gentleman in his manners, 
always affable and courteous. He possessed much 



92 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

public spirit, and was a friend of everything which 
promised to be useful to the community. He was 
particularly distinguished for kindness and hospital- 
ity. His home was, for many years, the general 
resort of strangers visiting in the place." 

1884 In St. Louis, far from her native place, Platts- 

burgh, died " Aunt Margaret," widow of Col. Benj. 
Hazen Mooers and daughter of Dr. John and Eliza- 
beth (Smith) Miller. 

1887 In Albany, N. Y., died John Godfrey Saxe, a 

poet of the Champlain valley, journalist and lecturer. 
His best known humorous poems include " Rhyme 
of the Rail," " The Proud Miss McBride," etc. He 
published " Progress," Humorous and Satirical 
Poems," " The Money King and Other Poems," 
" Fables and Legends," " Leisure-Day Rhymes," etc. 

" O, terribly proud was Miss Mac- 
Bride 

The very personification of Pride, 

As she minced along in Fashion's 
tide, 

Adown Broadway, — on the proper 
side, — " 

Mr. Saxe was the unsuccessful Democratic 
candidate for governor of Vermont in 1859 and i860. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 93 

APRIL I 

Where's the heart that can answer nay 

To the whispered " Come! " of an April day? 

— Buckhanu 

1690 Capt, Abraham Schuyler was ordered to the 

mouth of Otter Creek with 9 men there " to watch 
day and night for one month, and daily communicate 
with Capt. D'Warm, concerning Lawrence, the 
Mohawk chief, and his party of Indians." At the 
same time D 'Warm's orders were changed to select 
some other place at the Pass which he did, building 
a little stone fort at Chimney Point in Addison, the 
first possession or occupation by civilized men in 
Vermont. 

1758 Was born in Haverhill, Mass., Benjamin Mooers, 

son of Benjamin and Abigal (Hazen) Mooers. The 
father was a native of Newbury, Mass. and was a 
tanner by trade. From 1783 to 1786 Benjamin, Jr. 
spent his summers on the borders of the Lake 'and 
winters in Haverhill. 

1767 — "the ice on the lake looked very black yester- 

day evening," wrote Gilliland. He then says that 
when they arose about 6 o'clock } of the ice appeared 
to be sunk as it did not freeze during the night and 
the wind was blowing from the south. The wind 
continuing high and southerly with some rain dur- 
ing the day the lake appeared all open except the 
bays and on their return from the woods at 3 in the 
afternoon the creeks were very high and " in the 
swamps the ice very rotten." In the forenoon they 
had continued to run lines at Mrs. Jane Gilliland's 
south but the wetness of the afternoon hurried him 
home to Milltown to secure his trough lest the river 
should break up and the flood injure it. On arriving 



94 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

he found " a considerable flood " in the Boquet and 
the snow almost all off the cleared land. 

Pioneer History of the Champlain Valley. — Watson. 

APRIL 2 

1767 — a soft, thawing, growing day; the river rose 

much last night, and continued to rise all this day; 
I got my trough well loaded with large stone which 
completely secured it. — Gilliland. 

1793 At Town Meeting held at the Court House, 

Plattsburgh, the following Town Officers were elected: 
For Supervisor, Nathaniel Piatt; Town Clerk, Chas. 
Piatt; Assessors, Mel L. Woolsey, Benj'n Moores, 
Jacob Ferris; Commissioners of Highways, John 
Stephenson, Charles Piatt, Samuel Beeman ; Overseers 
of the Poor, William Coe, Nathan Averill, Benj'n 
Graves; Constables, Benj'n Graves, George Marsh; 
Treasurer, Charles Piatt; Fence Viewers, John Ran- 
som, Wm, Pitt Piatt, Jonas Allen; Poundkeeper, 
Benj'n Graves, etc. 

1804 At Peru Landing, died John Craig, Sr., a Scotch- 

man who had first settled in Canada. In i8oi, he 
had married Lodema Ransom, daughter of John of 
Ciimberland Head. Their only child, John Craig, 
Jr., was then but a few months old. 

1897 Bellevue Chapter, (named for Bellevue moun- 

tain) D. A. R. of St, Albans, Vt., organized. 

APRIL 3 

April brings another voice to my window — a feminine 
voice now, with the child-tone Ungering in it. 

— James Buckham. 

1767 — soft weather continues; raised the fence out 

of our yard; the flood rather lower than yesterday 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 95 

evening; last night it was at the highest, having 
thrown up large cakes of ice on and broke down my 
fence on the S. E. corner of Camp island; the water 
almost surrounded the flat at the lower landing. 

— Gilliland. 

1786 On Tuesday, the second town meeting was held 

and Charles Piatt, elected Supervisor; Kinner New- 
comb, John Ransom, and Jacob Ferris, Assessors; 
John Ransom, Town Clerk; Darick Webb, Jonas 
Allen and Jacob Ferris, Overseers of the Poor; 
Samuel Beeman, Cyrenus Newcomb, etc. 

The western boundary of Clinton County was 
extended to the St. Lawrence River and embraced 
a large portion of the present county of St. Lawrence. 

1842 The first church building of the first Baptist 

Society of Burlington, situated on the south-west 
corner of Church and Main streets, was dedicated. 

APRIL 4 

1767 — last night we had a little snow and some frost, 

but which was gone by 9 o'clock; this day was soft 
and not cold, good growing weather ; the snow quite 
gone off the cleared land and off the wood land too 
that inclines toward the south. Our cattle finding 
the wood feed good yesterday, did not come home 
last night, even old spark (the weakest of them all) 
stayed out. — Gilliland. 

1784 Peter Sailly from the Province of Lorraine in 
France reached America on his first visit — one of 
investigation. 

1785 The two tracts of land obtained by Zephaniah 
Piatt and associates were incorporated into a town 
called PLATTSBURGH, by a special act of the 



96 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

legislature. At that time it embraced all of Platts- 
burgh Old Patent, Frizwell's Patent, and Cumberland 
Head Patent. 

" At the close of the war I had purchased a few 
class rights of the soldiers and having collected a 
little something, set out for the woods, and after 
viewing several places, I set down on the west side 
of Lake Champlain, an entirely new country and 
wilderness and called the town Plattsburgh." 

Charles Piatt in letter to Dr. Samuel Jenner of Northfield, Mass. 

1805 The bill for the building of the Great Northern 

Turnpike became a law. The commissioners were: 
Theodosius Fowler, Elkanah Watson, Charles D. 
Cooper, Theodorus Ross, Benjamin Mooers, Charles 
R. Webster, Robert Gilchrist, James Rogers, Pliny 
Moore, Micajah Petit. 

Also, the towns of Lewis and Essex were " set 
off " from Willsborough, the former, named in honor 
of Governor Morgan Lewis, who owned land there 
purchased from General Philip Schuyler; the latter 
as well as the county Essex, being named for Essex. 
England. 

1812 The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church, Platts- 

burgh, made an agreement with Ichabod Fitch, to 
frame and raise the building for $500. 

1848 Schuyler Falls formed from Plattsburgh. Ezra 

Turner, one of the original thirteen settlers in the 
town of Plattsburgh, made the first settlement in 
the Town about 1794 when he married Amy Beman 
daughter of Nathan Beman, then only sixteen years 
old. Their home in the woods was seven miles from 
the little settlement on the Lake. 

1866 " The Jewish Congregation of Plattsburgh " 

purchased from the trustees of the First Universalist 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 97 

Church, their lot and church building on Oak Street, 
and fitted it up as a place of public worship. 

1883 Y. M. C. A. of Burlington incorporated. 

1888 The S. F. Vilas Home for Aged and Infirm Women 

incorporated by the gift of Mrs. Harriet Hunt Vilas, 
widow of the late S. F. Vilas of Plattsburgh. 

1909 At Galena, 111, died Ann Elizabeth Felt, widow 

of B. F. Felt and daughter of Zephaniah C. Piatt. 
Her aunt Caroline Adriance Piatt Diell died a few 
years since in Adriance, Virginia, in the 94th year of 
her age. She was the widow of the Rev. John Diell, 
eight years Seaman's Chaplain at Honolulu, Sand- 
wich Islands, who died at sea in 1841, when home- 
ward bound. 

APRIL 5 

Daybreak! daybreak! bright grows the east 
at last; 

Bells ringing, birds singing, sun in the dew- 
drop glassed. 

— James Buckham. 

1769 William Kelley, in behalf of Lord Viscount 

Townsend and twenty-four associates, petitioned for 
a grant of 25,000 acres, bounded east by Cumberland 
Bay and extending west on both sides of the Saranac 
River, including the land covered by the warrant of 
survey of Jan. 27, 1768. 

1796 It was voted " that ten dollars be paid by the 

inhabitants of Peru for every wolf killed within the 
town of Peru in the present year, said wolf to be a 
full Grone wolf and fresh killed." 

At the regular town meeting in the Court House 
(Plattsburgh) it was " voted to raise twenty -five 
pounds by tax on the Freeholders and inhabitants 



98 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

of the Town of Plattsburgh this year to finish the 
Court House." 

1878 Death of Capt. Wm. H. Bailey, grandson of 

Judge Wm. Bailey. 

APRIL 6 

1767 — a lovely day, the sun hot, though the wind 

keeps nor'ly. Froze pretty hard last night, set saw- 
mill agoing to-day. — this day set my 3 hands to 
clear from the barn to the lower landing. — Gilliland. 

1790 At the regular Town Meeting this year the Path 

Masters chosen were: Charles Piatt, Gideon Rugar, 
John Fontfieyd, Lucius Reynolds, Robert Morris, 
Moses Soper, Benjamin Mooers, Point-au-Roches, 
John Cochran, South side River, Isaac Finch, Edward 
Everitt, Sable. 

1814 Com. Macdonough wrote to Peter Sailly, Col- 

lector of Customs: " I have rec'd only this morning 
your favr of 29th ultimo, owing to the impractihility 
of crossing the Lake." He then gives the informa- 
tion that the " B. flotilla has been at Rouses point 
since a few Days," and that their ship will soon be 
ready to " display the English CoUours." He speaks 
of the great danger lest the enemy seize the boats 
and sink them loaded with stones at the mouths of 
rivers and creeks, telling Mr. Sailly that he will know 
best as to the advisability of placing strong batteries 
at the mouth of the Saranac, and closing with: " It 
will do no good to growl ; but I may observe that we 
are going to be in a desperate situation on the shores 
of this lake as long as the British can navigate it, 
Stop all Communication and plunder our Shores." 

The letter is written with evident haste, with several 
erasures and changes. An inventory of military stores such as 
boxes of candles, soap, pounds of beef, pork, etc. occupies the 
margin and the commander signs himself Yrs. Ths McDonough. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley qq 

1821 Death of Henrietta Julia Kirtland, who became 

the wife of William Swetland, Esq., in 1811. Her 
monument erected by her husband was the first in 
Riverside cemetery. 

1862 Was killed in battle Capt. Edward Saxe, grand- 

son of the pioneer John Saxe and son of Jacob who 
first engaged in business in Sheldon, Vt., and after- 
wards with his brothers Matthew and Peter at West 
Chazy. At the beginning of the war of 181 2, Jacob 
removed his merchandise to the storehouse at Chazy 
Landing, and on the approach of a large force of 
British, took the same on batteaux to Orwell, Vt., 
where the only sister of the Saxe brothers cared for 
them. The war over, there was a short period spent 
in Chazy before removal to the mouth of the Salmon 
river (Port Gilliland) where he built a blast furnace, 
sawmill, dams, charcoal kilns, etc., employing forty 
men. The freshet of 1830 swept all these buildings 
and dams into the lake, but the stone dwelling which 
he built still stands. He spent the closing years of 
his life in Sheldon to which his wife had gone during 
the British invasion and where she plainly heard the 
booming of cannon during the battle of Plattsburgh. 

APRIL 7 

There's a smile above, and a smile below, 
In the clouds that roll, and the waves that flow. 
Is the heart unchain'd by sorrow's thrall, 
There's a smile of joy and of peace in all! 

— Margaret Miller Damdson. 

1763 Giles Hocquart deeded to M. Michel, Chartier 

De Lotbiniere, all of his seigniory lying north of 
Hospital Creek (Addison). Lotbiniere petitioned the 
British Government from time to time to be re- 
instated in his lands and was finally, in 1776, given 
a seigniory on the St. Lawrence river. 



lOO Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1795 The Town Meeting was held " at the house of 

Mess Ketchum by adjournment from the Court 
House." It was voted that " the Pound be built 
near B. Graves'," that the sum of forty pounds be 
raised by tax for the completion of the Court House 
and twenty-six pounds for the benefit of schools. 

1896 Celebration of the centennial of the organiza- 

tion of the Baptist Church of Pleasant Valley, 
(EHzabethtown). 

1909 Wednesday, a disastrous gale, from the south 

and southwest, swept through the Champlain Valley 
and extended into Canada, attaining a speed of more 
than 6o miles an hour, clearing the lake of ice, up- 
rooting trees and blowing down buildings and wires. 
Glens Fahs, Ticonderoga and Port Henry suffered 
especially. In Plattsburgh, just north of historic 
Halsey's Corners, a brother and sister, Warren and 
Alida Eldred of West Chazy, driving homeward, were 
crushed and instantly killed beneath a falling Lom- 
bardy poplar, one of an ancient row that has stood 
opposite the Isaac and Zephaniah C. Piatt home- 
steads for more than a century. Lombardy poplars 
have been a distinguishing feature of all old Piatt 
homesteads whether on the Hudson or in the Cham- 
plain Valley. 

APRIL 8 

At dawn, as I lay half waking and longing to sleep again, 

Because, as my eyelids lifted, there in the dusk sat Pain, 

There came from the orchard floating the first flute-tone of the spring — 

The robin's song, 

I had missed so long 

The song with the cheery ring! 

— James Buckham. 

1767 — we were plagued with lumps of ice coming 

down through the trough. — Gilliland. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley lOI 

1808 The name of Malone was changed to " Ezraville," 

from Ezra L'Hommedieu of Suffolk Co., L. I., but in 
1 812 the former name was resumed. L'Hommedieu 
was also one of the proprietors of Plattsburgh. 

1822 At the house of Chauncey Stoddard, in Peru 

village, was organized by the Rev. Stephen Kinsley 
the First Congregational Church with 11 members, 
who were set off from the church at Chesterfield. 
They were Rueben Arthur, George Morell, Peter 
Steams, Arthur H. Merrill, Chauncey Stoddard, 
Eunice Stearns, Asineth Stearns, Louisa Wells, 
Hannah Hutchins and Sarah Hutchins. 

Peter Stearns was appointed moderator and 
Chauncey Stoddard, clerk. Two tankards brought 
by Polly (Miller) Sherrill from her father's house in 
East Hampton, L. L, and used by this church for 
many years as communion cups are still treasured 
by a descendant. 

1859 At Yonkers, N. Y., died Helen Livingston Piatt, 

widow of Hon Jonas Piatt, aged 93 years. 

1869 At her home (No. loi Margaret Street) died Mrs. 

Mary Piatt Mooers, daughter of Wm. Pitt Piatt and 
wife of Dr. Benj. J. Mooers. " A lady of marked 
ability and cultured taste." 

" Beautiful visions of home-land and sea! 
I yield to the magic that binds me to thee. 
I gaze with emotion as hither I'm led. 
To thy rocky-bound banks, Old Cumberland Head! 

It is here treasured scenes of my childhood are laid, 
It is here I now linger in memory's shade. 
And I think of the years that so quickly have flown, 
To a region we know not — a home of their own. 

Thy nooks are all sacred, thy rocks are still dear, 
As when in my childhood, I oft lingered there, 
And visioned the future in innocent joy, 
And fancied that happiness held no alloy. 



102 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Thine air is perfumed with flowers of love, 

Which strengthen and purify, oft as I rove. 

O'er thy green-sloping fields, thy rocks, and thy shore, 

And link thy blue waters with stories of yore. 

Thy beauty will not fade, nor glory depart. 
In spirit I'm with thee, and beatings of heart, 
Tell me truly, I ween, that the tears I now shed. 
Are for thee, thee alone, dear Cumberland Head." 

Written for Mrs. Mooers by her cousin, L. M. Kent. 



APRIL 9 

1790 At Champlain was born Ann (baptised Anna), 

the eldest of the three daughters, Ann, Sophia and 
Matilda, of Judge PHny Moore. Their mother, n6e 
Martha Corbin, was a woman of wonderful energy 
and very ambitious for her daughters, so she sent 
them to a convent in Montreal to learn French and 
the needlework embroidery of the times. On their 
return, having no carpet for her drawing room, (no 
carpets having been brought so far north in those 
days), she set them to work to embroider one. An 
adopted cousin, Harriett Hicks, assisted. The room 
for which the carpet was designed was about twenty 
feet square. 

This wonderful carpet, made from crewels of 
wool, sheared from the home flock, dyed with stuffs 
at hand, embroidered on material obtained in Mon- 
treal, with a lining woven on the kitchen loom, was 
begun in i8o8 and completed in 1812. The designs, 
sea-shell border and all were the work of Ann. The 
carpet became indeed a " magic carpet " for around 
its frame gathered the young law-students Julius 
Hubbell, Thomas Whiteside and several army officers 
The carpet (1909) is well preserved. 

1818 A site adjacent to the Friends' burying ground 

was deeded by Silas Macomber for ten dollars to 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 103 

Warren Corbin and Seth Griffith for a Friends' meet- 
ing house at Grand Isle. 

1853 Died in Champlain, the Hon. Abiajah North of 

Scottish Ancestry and a native of Shoreham, where 
he was born in 1772. He came a pioneer to Cham- 
plain in 1799, and his brother Lemeul came in 1800. 
The two brothers worked together, acquiring several 
hundred acres of the best farming land of the section. 
They were successful farmers and Abiajah was widely 
known as a breeder of fine horses and cattle. His 
son Lemuel at one time owned the celebrated stallion 
known as " The Sherman Black Hawk " or North 
Horse. Some of his horses have sold as high as 
$7,500 each. Father and son were of the Democratic 
Party and have held many public offices. 

1855 In Plattsburgh died EHza Walker Dobie, a 

native of St. Helen's, England and wife of the Rev. 
David Dobie. 

Nearer and dearer are the blessed dead 
Than we are wont to think. 

— James Buckham. 

1876 Elizabeth Mooers, daughter of Col. Benjamin H. 

Mooers, and wife of Judge George M. Beckwith, died. 
Of the First Presbyterian Church she was a consistent 
member forty-three years. 

APRIL 10 

1690 One of the observing parties on Lake Champlain 

sent in word that they had discovered the track of 
twelve French and Indians, proceeding in the direc- 
tion of Albany. Warnings were sent out, but those 
who neglected to heed were attacked and killed. 

1772 Was born at New Preston, Conn., just over the 

line from Dutchess county, the home of the Platts, 
Millers, Newcombs, etc., Nathan Averill, Jr., who 



I04 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

came a pioneer to Plattsburgh with his father's 
family and the Platts ; married Polly, eldest daughter 
of Joseph and Phebe (Moore) Ketchum of Peru and 
kept the first hotel in Peru, at the Union, then the 
business and commercial centre of the town. To 
Nathan Averill and his wife were born six sons and 
three daughters, the four eldest children in Peru. 

1810 Daniel Haskel settled over the Calvinistic Con- 

gregational church in Burlington w^here he remained 
until 1 82 1 when he was called to the Presidency of 
the University of Vermont. 

1821 The annual meeting of the " Censors of the 

Clinton Agricultural Society " was held at the home 
of Lester Sampson in Chazy and the following officers 
chosen: Allen R. Moore, president; Robert Piatt, 
Isaac C. Piatt and James Crook, vice-presidents; 
Alexander Scott, treasurer, and Noadiah Moore, 
" principal secretary." 

1859 Died at the age of eighty, Phebe Piatt Bailey, 

wife of Judge William Bailey and a daughter of Capt. 
Nathaniel Piatt. 

1899 The Twenty-first U. S. Infantry, under Colonel 

Jacob Kline, left Plattsburgh Barracks, pursuant to 
General Orders No. 35, A. G. O., 1899 and Special 
Orders No. 63 D. E., 1899. 

APRIL 11 

AMERICA. 

And this was once the realm of nature, where 

Wild as the wind, tho' exquisitely fair, 

She breath'd the mountain breeze, or bow'd to kiss 

The dimpling waters with unbounded bliss. 

Here in this Paradise of earth, where first 

Wild mountain Liberty began to burst. 

Once Nature's temple rose in simple grace, 

The hill her throne, the world her dwelling-place. 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 
(Written in her seventeenth year.) 



Three Centuries in* Champlaix Valley 105 

1775 Resolutions were adopted at Westminster, Vt., 

foreshadowing plans for the erection of a new royal 
province combining the disputed territory (New 
Hampshire Grants) and adjacent Xew York lands 
west to Lake Ontario, with Skenesborough as capital. 
Such men as Col. Allen, Bird and Col. Skene were 
interested but the outbreak of the Revolution put 
an end to all such plans. 

1777 Dr. Thomas Young of Philadelphia, wrote a 

letter, addressed " To the inhabitants of Vermont." 
exhorting them to take a decided stand, organize a 
government, and adopt a constitution, 

1785 Peter Tappen, one of the proprietors of Platts- 

burgh, was one of a committee of three appointed to 
re-construct the Dutchess county building of court- 
house and jail which had been destroyed by fire. 

1814 The Saratoga, destined to be Macdonough's 

flag ship, was launched at Vergennes, only forty 
days from the tree in the forest to the vessel on the 
lake. Her equipment had not yet arrived and the 
roads were impassable for the heavily loaded wagons 
which were to draw the naval stores from Troy. 

1831, 

1839, 

and 

1840 " Lineboats " commenced running on Lake 

Champlain. 

APRIL 12 

Beyond to-day — ah I that should most concern us; 

Not pain or pleasure now, what irks, what suits. 
How are we living for the long to-morrows? 

What are we sowing of eternal fruits ? 
O, idler, trifler, pleasure-seeker, stay! 
What of that endless life, beyond to-day? 

— James Btickham. 

1805 In Chateaugay, N. Y., was born Theodorus 

Bailey, son of Judge Wm. Bailey and grandson of the 



Io6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

redoubtable Capt. Nathaniel Piatt. Theodorus en- 
tered the navy in 1818 and became a rear-admiral 
in 1866. His home in Plattsburgh was the stone 
house built by St. John B. L. Skinner No. 22 Macomb 
street. 

1850 Amasa C. Moore elected President, Gustavus V, 

Edwards, Treasurer, and John J. Haile, Secretary 
of the newly organized Plattsburgh and Montreal 
Railroad. 

RHYME OF THE RAIL. 

Singing through the forests, 

Rattling over ridges, 
Shooting under arches, 

Rumbling over bridges, 
Whizzing through the mountains. 

Buzzing o'er the vale, — 
Bless me ! this is pleasant. 

Riding on the Rail! 

— John G. Saxe. 

APRIL 13 

1782 Birth at Detroit, Mich., of Alexander Macomb, 

the future American major-general who defeated the 
British under Prevost at Plattsburgh, Sept. 18 14. 




general MACOMB, 1782-1841 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 107 

1811 The first number of the ''Republican'' issued. 

The principal movers and stockholders in the enter- 
prise were: Peter Sailly, Col. Melancton Smith, 
Judge Kinner Newcomb, Judge Charles Piatt, Isaac 
C. Piatt, Caleb Nichols, Dr. John Miller, Thomas 
Treadwell, Benjamin Mooers, John Dominey, Elias 
Woodruff, Thomas Miller, Ezra Thurber, Judge Carew 
of Chazy, and Judge Hicks of Champlain. Col. 
Melancton Smith was the first editor. 

APRIL 14 

No wind in all the calendar is quite so soft as the April 
wind — when it is soft. — James Buckhafn. 

1755 The Governors of the several Provinces met in 

conference in Virginia, and determined upon the plan 
of a campaign, by which to repel the encroachments 
of the French upon the northern frontier. 

— Palmer's History. 

1759 Pliny Moore, the first English settler in the town 

of Champlain, was born in Sheffield, Mass. While 
a drummer boy in the patriot army he was first 
attracted to the lands where he afterwards settled. 

1766 The first house erected upon the Gilliland lots 

for Robert McAuley, on the north bank of Bachellor's 
Creek. 

1816 Melancton L. Woolsey and John G. Freligh were 

ordained Elders of the First Presbyterian Church 
under the new pastor the Rev. Nathaniel Hewitt. 
At that time the house of worship, begun in 181 2, 
had not been finished and the Elders, one and all, 
gave liberally of their time and substance to the 
furtherance of the work. Elder William Pitt Piatt, 
whose sister Mrs. Abraham Brinckerhoff, had given 
the site for the building, gave without stint even 
mortgaging his home for the cause. 



I08 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

APRIL 15 

renewal. 
Earth-smell from plow and from harrow, 
The love-cadenced song of the sparrow, 
Life sunned to the core and the marrow — 
Ah! infinite sweetness of spring. 

— James Buckham. 

1766 — sent to Crown Point for provs., and got 4 
barrels flour, and 5 firkins butter — all condemned. 
Mr. Chism stayed behind; the others ret'd the 19th, 
at this time the run away settlers came for their 
wives, and our red cow with the white face died, 
having loss'd an old white cow the 23rd March. 

— GilUland. 

1767 — sowed tobacco, cabbage, lettuce, tong grass, 
turneps, parsley and spinach seeds in burnt brush 
hearths, also a few peas. — Idem. 

1784 Gov. Chittenden wrote from ArHngton to Gen. 

Haldimand asking him, since Peace had been estab- 
lished and the Loyal Block House would be evacuated 
as a British Post, to direct the Commanding Officer 
there to inform the governor of the time of evacuation 
" that an Officer from this State may take Possession 
thereof." — Canadian Archives. 

1797 At South Hero Island, were married William 

Slosson, son of Eleazer and Lucy Slosson, and Susan- 
nah Stark, a relative of Gen. Stark. They settled 
on a farm south of Chazy village, in 1807. On the 
advance of the British, William Slosson with his 
team was pressed into service to carry baggage to 
Plattsburgh. On the retreat of the enemy our 
militia captured five British soldiers and six horses 
while the British " gobbled up " Mr. Slosson and held 
him prisoner over one night. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 109 



APRIL 16 

Utterly was I lightened, one instant of all my pain, 

When robin sang, 

When the silence rang. 
When the spring came back again. 

— James Buckhatn. 

1755 The date of Sir William Johnson's Commission 

reciting that the troops are placed under his com- 
mand "to be employed in an attempt to erect a 
strong Fortress before an eminence near the French 
Fort at Crown Point, and removing the encroach- 
ments of the French on his Majesty's land there." 

1808 At his home on Rugar street, died Gideon Rugar, 

a soldier of the Revolution, of the Albany County 
militia, Fourteenth Regiment, and an early settler 
of Plattsburgh. 

1861 News of President Lincoln's proclamation of 

April 15th, reaches Plattsburgh. A meeting for the 
evening of the 17th was called. 

1881 Consolidation with Chateaugay Ore and Iron 

Company, of iron forge property at Clayburgh, 
Russia and Plattsburgh. Weed and Williams selling 
their iron interests to Chateaugay Ore and Iron 
Company, 

APRIL 17 

" ON SPRING." 

I have seen the fair Spring, I have heard her sweet song, 
As she passed in her lightness and freshness along; 
The blue wave rolled deeper, the moss-crest looked bright, 
As she breathed o'er the regions of darkness and night. 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 

1782 Birth in Po'keepsie of a seventh son, Levi, to 

Judge Zephaniah Piatt and Mary Van Wyck, his wife. 



no Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1830 Ellenburgh, named in compliment to Ellen, 

daughter of John R. Murray of New York, the princi- 
pal proprietor of Township, No. 5 of the Military- 
Tract, was formed from Mooers. The first per- 
manent settler was Abner Pomeroy about 1800 and 
an early pioneer was Joseph R. Emerson. 

1861 At the meeting held at the court house for the 

purpose of raising a company of men to assist in 
putting down the Rebellion, thirty-five signed at 
once as willing to enlist and these elected from their 
number Frank Palmer, Captain; Royal Corbin, 
Lieutenant; Pliny Moore, Ensign, all descendants 
of Revolutionary soldiers and early pioneers. 

1899 Arrival at San Francisco and embarkation on 

the transport " Hancock " of the Twenty-first U. S. 
Infantry, 32 officers and 1,335 enlisted men strong. 

APRIL 19 

1799 Charles Barnard, son of Joseph and Margaret 

(Moore) Barnard, born on Cumberland Head in a 
house on the Benjamin Mooers property. As a boy 
of fifteen, he witnessed the battle of Plattsburgh and 
during the engagement a cannon ball passed through 
his home. After the battle Gen. Mooers took him, 
a barefoot boy, on board one of the American vessels 
where the blood upon the deck spattered upon his 
feet. 

1810 On Thursday, the people of Burlington, favor- 

able to liberal sentiments in religion, assembled in 
the Court House (a wooden structure, built in 1802, 
afterwards burned) " to induct into office the man 
they had chosen for their christian teacher and guide, 
Mr. Sam'l Clark." Here, " only 9 days before the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley III 

Calvinistic party of seceders had with eager haste 
ordained another minister, (Mr. Daniel Haskel)." 

1817 In the Republican was offered a reward of $ioo 

for the apprehension of ten deserters from the canton- 
ment, and the commandant of the post gave notice 
that he would prosecute any person who " may 
procure or entice any person to desert " and that 
desertions would thereafter be announced by three 
discharges of cannon in quick succession from Fort 
Moreau. 

1832 At Wadhams Mills, to which he gave a name, 

in the fiftieth year of his age died Gen. Luman 
Wadhams, a native of Goshen, Conn., and early 
pioneer in Charlotte, Vt., and in Lewis, Essex Co., 
N. Y. He finally, in 1822, settled at Westport. An 
officer at the battle of Plattsburgh, he afterwards 
became a general of militia. In the cemetery at 
Wadhams Mills he was buried where, many years 
after, the remains of his aged widow were placed 
beside him. 

APRIL 20 

It rains, but on a dripping bough 
A little bird sings clear and sweet, — 
I think he knows not why nor how, 

Except that with his slender feet 

He feels dear nature's pulses beat. 

— James Buckham. 

1743 Hocquart (Intendant of New France) was 

granted by the King of France, a seigniory of four 
leagues front on the lake, by five leagues deep, and 
the south line half a mile south of the south line of 
what is now Addisons, and the north line near Adams 
Ferry in Panton. The following October his deed 
was registered in Quebec. 



112 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1754 Born in Province of Lorraine, France, Pierre 

Sailly, a future pioneer of Plattsburgh. He became 
a member of a corps forming a body-guard for Louis 
XVI and from that monarch received his passport 
(still preserved in the family) to emigrate to America. 

1 77 1 William Pitt Piatt, son of Judge Zephaniah Piatt, 

born at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 

1836 Daniel Piatt, a Revolutionary soldier and half 

brother to the Piatt brothers. Founders of Platts- 
burgh, died. 

1909 Early in the morning the Lincoln Pond storage 

dam near EHzabethtown, having a capacity of 
3,000,000 cubic feet, broke sending a wall of water 
twenty feet down Black Brook and sweeping away 
bridges, mills and lumber. One house was swept 
from its foundations and the family were rescued 
from the barn in boats. The property damaged was 
$250,000, but there was no loss of life. 

APRIL 21 

1766 — this day Thomas Brady helped C. Belton at 
his house. — Gilliland. 

BROTHERHOOD. 

Mark well this fact — not often urged, indeed — 
That one's own business, if he mind it best, 

Concerns the common welfare, take due heed 
How self, the unit, stands toward all the rest. 

— James Buckham. 

1767 — a dark windy day with some rain; went to 
repair my bateau. — Gilliland. 

1798 Henry Ketchum Averill, son of Nathan, Jr. and 

Polly (Ketchum) Averill, his wife, was born at Peru. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley II3 

1816 James Trowbridge was made an Elder of the 

First Presbyterian Church. 

1828 " Plattsburgh Academy " incorporated. 

FIRST BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

Benjamin Mooers, John Lynde, William S wet- 
land, Jonathan Griffin, Frederick Halsey, Frederick 
L. C. Sailly, Heman Cady, Ephraim Buck, William 
F. Haile, George Marsh, John Palmer, Henry K. 
Averill. 

1909 The water of Lake Champlain reached a point 

nine feet and six inches above the extreme low water 
mark of 1908 and but nineteen inches below the 
extreme high water mark of 1869. Several docks 
are submerged and during the gale of the evening 
the Rouses Point drawbridge was badly damaged 
and two miles of track on the Rutland Railroad 
between South Hero and Colchester washed away. 

APRIL 22 

1791 Born at Williamstown, Mass., Josiah Corbin, 

son of Joseph Corbin, a Revolutionary soldier of 
Killingly, Conn, and Williamstown, Mass. Josiah 
served in the War of 181 2, from Champlain and in 
1 81 9 was appointed by Gov. Clinton as cornet of a 
troop in the 15th Regiment N. Y. Cavalry. 

1829 In Burlington died Mark Rice, a native of Massa- 
chusetts and founder of the Unitarian Fund of the 
First Congregational Society from which a substanial 
income is annually derived. An humble, unlettered 
mechanic, he so made his chairs and built his charac- 
ter that the first have withstood the ravages of time 
and the second will grow brighter and brighter. 



114 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

SERVICE. 

The broom or the spade or the shuttle, that pUes 

Its own honest task in its own honest way, 
Serves heaven not less than a star in the skies — 

What more could the Pleiades do than obey? 

— James Bttckham. 

APRIL 24 

Thou pretty wee flower, humble thing, 
Thou brightest jewel of the heath. 
Which waves at zephyr's lightest wing, 
And trembles at the softest breath. 

Thou lovely bud of Scotia's land. 
Thou pretty fragrant burnie gem, 
By whisp'ring breezes thou art fann'd, 
And greenest leaves entwine thy stem. 

— Lticretia Maria Davidson. 
(Written in her fourteenth year.) 

1776 The three Commissioners, Benj. Franklin, Samuel 

Chase and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, sent by 
Congress to Canada, accompanied by John Carroll, 
a Jesuit priest and afterwards the first Roman Catholic 
Archbishop in the United States, in their passage 
through the lake, stopped at Ti. ; at Crown Point to 
examine the works, and at Ferris' (now Arnold's Bay) 
where they spent the night. This Ferris was an 
ancestor of Hiram Ferris, pilot on the first " Ver- 
mont." 

1791 Lieut. Benj. Mooers was married to Hannah, 

daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Piatt who had moved 
into Plattsburgh about a year previous. They had 
ten children, six of whom grew to maturity. 

18M Col. Stephen Moffitt of the 96th regiment was 

made a prisoner of war and confined in prison at 
Plymouth, N. C, for four months. He was one of 
the fifty officers of highest rank placed by the rebels 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 1 15 

in front of their works during the bombardment of 
the city of Charleston, S. C. 



APRIL 25 

1821 Daniel Baker certified before St. J. B. L, Skinner, 

J. P., that Sampson Soper, a colored man, described 
as about five feet, seven inches high, rather 
light complexion, aged about forty-two years old 
and born in Manchester, Vt., was bom free and had 
never been enslaved to his knowledge or belief. 
This proof of Freedom was acknowleged by Caleb 
Nichols, a Judge of Clinton County Court of Pleas. 

The same date before Judge Nichols, J. Bailey, 
Town Clerk, Gilead Sperry certified to the free birth 
of Martin Tankard, " a Black or Mulatto Person " 
about 22 years of age, whose family he had known 
in Vermont. — Plattsburgh Town Records. 

1829 Westville (Franklin Co.) was taken from the 

old town of Constable (named for Wm. Constable, 
agent and part proprietor). It was owned by the 
Constable family and for many years Judge Wm. 
Bailey of Chateaugay and Dr. Albon Man, brothers- 
in-law, were agents. 

1861 The first company raised in Plattsburgh, now 

numbering one hundred enlisted men, was mustered 
into the State service by Col. Putnam Lawrence, of 
the 3 2d New York State Militia, who had been 
appointed to that duty. 

1881 Saranac River Wood Pulp Mill at Wood's Falls, 

Cadyville, commenced running, built by B. S. W. 
Clark and J. O. Smith. 



Il6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

APRIL 26 

April is distinctively the month of waking and activity 
with the fishes, just as it is with the birds. — James Buckham. 

J 755 — Threw out the fishing seine for the first time 

in 1766, got only 8 suckers. — Gilliland. 

1775 Edward Mott of Preston, Conn., was appointed 

Captain of the 7th Company, in the 6th Conn. Rgt., 
commanded by Col. Samuel Holden Parsons. 

1812 " After sermon, Jonathan Scribner, Seth Rice, 

(from the Congregational Church in Westford, Vt.) 
William Pitt Piatt, and Thomas Treadwell, Jr., were 
ordained ruling Elders and Benjamin J. Mooers 
Deacon in this Church according to the forms of the 
Presbyterian Church." — Church Records. 

Though Elders Hubbard, Stratton, Treadwell, 
and Scribner, lived north of Pittsburgh in Beek- 
mantown the records show their faithful attendance 
at meetings of the session. 

1823 We have received no mail from the South for 

several days. We understand that for the future 
it will come but once a week. 

Judge John Lynde in Plattsburgh Republican. The postage 
on a letter was than 25 cents. 

1825 Corner stone of North College, University of 

Vermont, laid by Governor C. P. Van Ness. 

1861 Departure of the first company raised in Platts- 

burgh, (Company C) of the i6th New York, for 
Albany. About a week later a second company 
(Company E) of volunteers w^as formed and ready 
to go forward with John S. Stetson, Captain; Ransom 
M. Pierce, Lieutenant; Charles H. Bentley, Ensign. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 117 

Before leaving they were presented with a beautiful 
stand of colors by the ladies of Plattsburgh. 

APRIL 27 

1775 Col. Parsons, of Connecticut, was on his way 

from Oxford to Hartford when he fell in with Capt. 
Benedict Arnold, hurrying from New Haven to 
Watertown, intending to obtain a commission from 
the Provincial Congress assembled there. Arrived 
at Hartford, Parsons consulted with five other gentle- 
men and securing ;)^3oo they sent off two men, Ro- 
mans and Noah Phelps of Simsbury, on their way 
to the grants, 

1777 At Ridgefield fell mortally wounded Maj.-Gen'l 

Wooster, the same man who, as Col. Wooster of New 
York, had been threatened in 1773 with the " Beech 
Seal " by the Addison men. 

1785 Zephaniah Piatt as agent for the company 

formed in Poughkeepsie went to New York city for 
necessary supplies. Six and a half days were re- 
quired to go up the Hudson with batteaux to Fort 
Edward and from there seventeen loads of supplies 
were driven by oxen to Lake George, where boats 
were again used. After four miles of cartage to 
Lake Champlain, the supplies were floated to their 
destination, the total expense of the trip being ;^i4o 
and 7 shilling. 

APRIL 28 

— Shall the flower of the valley burst forth to the light, 
And man in his beauty lie buried in night! 

A voice on the waters, a voice in the sky, 
A voice from beneath, and a voice from on high, 
Proclaims that he shall not, — that Spring, in her light. 
Shall waken thy spirit from darkness and night. 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 



Il8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1775 Edward Mott arrived at Hartford and was at 
once invited to become one of the committee in 
charge of the expedition against Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point, which had been set on foot by Gentle- 
men connected with the General Assembly. David 
Wooster, Silas Deane and Noah Phelps were also 
members. Mott took 15 men from Connecticut, 
raised 39 in western Massachusetts and set out for 
Bennington. There Capt. Mott was made chairman 
of the committee which made Allen military com- 
mander of the expedition. 

1892 At Burlington, was organized Green Mountain 

Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. 

APRIL 29 

1766 J. W. and two other hands went to Crown Point 

for peas, and retd May 2d, with 4 bbls. condemned, 
and Wm. Ferris and his wife. — was taken ill on 
board the Albany sloop. — Gilliland. 

1776 The Commission reaches Montreal and is re- 
ceived by Gen. Benedict Arnold, then in command, 
with much courtsey. 

1792 Birth of Anna Green, daughter of Friend Israel 

and Sarah (Deane) Green of Dutchess county. Anna 
went from her father's hospitable house ("Israel 
Green's Inn ") on Bridge street to preside over the 
mansion on the corner of Margaret and Brinkerhoff 
streets (now Custom House square) — the second 
wife of Col. Melancton Smith. Her sister Deborah 
married Dr. William Beaumont, surgeon, U. S. A., 
while the younger of two brothers, Piatt Rogers 
Green, became a lieutenant in the regular army 
joining the forces at Sackett's Harbor. Anna 
(Green) Smith, early widowed, died in 1879. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 1 19 

APRIL 30 

1737 A grant of land (embracing the territory now 

known as Colchester), adjoining the grant to Capt. 
de la Pierre in 1734, was made to Lieut. Gen. Pierre 
Raimbault, which grant was later conveyed by his 
heirs to Benjamin Price, Daniel Robertson and John 
Livingston. 

1771 Birth of Wm. Pitt Piatt, third son of Judge 

Zephaniah. He settled on lot No. 9 Cumberland 
Head conveyed to him by his father. From 181 2 
he was a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church. 

1775 Mott overtook Romans and Phelps at Salisbury 

and the party, consisting of sixteen men, held on 
together northward. At Sheffield, they sent two 
men, Halsey and Stephens, to Albany to discover 
the temper of the people there. They reached Pitts- 
field the next day and lodged at Col. Easton's. 

— Scrihner's History. 

1813 Asa Aikens, afterwards of Westport, received his 

commission as Captain of the 31st regiment, U. S. A. 
(recruited in Vermont) ; while Piatt Rogers Halstead 
received his as 3d Lieutenant, 29th Infantry, U. S. A. 
The Colonel of the 29th (mostly from Dutchess 
county) was Col. Melancton Smith of Plattsburgh, 
son of the late Judge of the same name of New 
York. 

1898 William Mooers Piatt, a member of the Nathan 

Beman Society Children of the American Revolution, 
died. 

1900 Entered into rest, Kate Louise (McCaffrey) Bur- 

roughs of Champlain, member of Saranac Chapter 
and great-grand-daughter of Ensign Jonas Morgan 



I20 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

of the First Company, Col. Samuel McLellan's regi- 
ment of volunteers; also descendant of Capt. Edward 
Mott of New Preston, Conn., Chairman of the Com- 
mittee in charge of the expedition against Ticon- 
deroga and Crown Point. Ensign Morgan, after the 
Revolution, became proprietor of the patents in the 
Black river country (Champlain Valley) which bear 
his name and erected the first forge which was after- 
wards known as Brainard's Forge. He married Sarah 
Mott, daughter of the patriot Capt. Edward Mott. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 121 

MAY 1 

The first and second weeks in May are the great "home 
weeks" for the birds. Then it is that the welcome tide of song 
and bright plumage comes surging back over our North Atlantic 
States in one mighty wave. — James Buckhant. 

1690 An agreement was concluded between the prov- 

inces of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York 
by which each was to furnish its quota of troops for 
an expedition against Canada. 

1776 Gen. Thomas arrived and took command of the 

troops which, since the death of Montgomery, had 
remained encamped about three miles up the river. 
Smallpox soon devastated the ranks which now 
numbered 3,000 but only 900 fit for duty. Gen. 
Thomas soon returned to the mouth of the Richelieu. 

1809 Work on the Arsenal (site No. 37 Broad street) 

commenced. The building was finished August, 
1810. 

1834 Essex County Academy established in Westport 

with Asahel Lyon, Piatt Rogers Halstead and Bena- 
jah P. Douglass as incorporators. 

1836 At a meeting of the Catholic congregation at 

their regular place of worship — the " red store," on 
Cumberland avenue, the church was incorporated 
under the name of First Roman Catholic Church of 
the town of Plattsburgh. 

1845 Was completed the labor of stockading twelve 

acres, at Clinton Prison, commenced in snow five feet 
deep under the direction of the first agent. Ransom 
Cook of Saratoga Springs, a son-in-law of Robert 
Ayers. 



122 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1882 Bill introduced in Congress by Gen. John Ham- 

mond providing for the removal of Plattsburgh Bar- 
racks to Rouses Point. Exchange of the Northern 
N. Y. Telephone Co. in operation with 25 subscribers. 

1898 At the battle of Manila Bay, Captain George B. 

Ransom, U. S. N. (son of Capt. Harry Sawyer Ran- 
som, severely wounded at Drury's Bluff, in 1864) 
was Chief Engineer of the U. vS. S. "Concord" and for 
his " eminent and conspicuous conduct " in that 
battle was given a medal by Congress. 

MAY 2 

Oh! fallen is the valiant arm, 
The mighty son of war is low! 

— Mrs. Margaret (Miller) Davidson. 

1777 At Danbury, Conn., Major General David Woos- 

ter of the Connecticut militia, who was mortally 
wounded in the defence of Danbury against Tryon, 
passed away. In 1775, Allen Smith, a settler in 
Plattsburgh as early as 1786, with his foster-brother, 
Reuben Sanborn, Jr., enlisted at Waterbury in 
Wooster's regiment, serving with it in the Canadian 
campaign and being discharged at Montreal the next 
year, 

1807 Elijah Root was born in the town of Georgia, Vt. 

Compelled to depend entirely upon himself, he early 
learned the ship carpenter's trade and later, became 
engineer of the "Phoenix," on which boat in 1832 (the 
year of the cholera) while at Whitehall, occurred the 
first death in this country from that dreadful disease. 
It was due chiefly to Mr. Root's example and firmness 
that the panic stricken crew were kept together. 
During forty-three years (1838 to 188 1) Mr. Root held 
the government ofhce of Inspector of boilers and 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 123 

machinery on all vessels propelled in whole or in 
part by steam. He died at Shelburne, Vt., in 1883. 

1815 At " The Ark," a hotel kept by David Douglass 

at the foot of River street, the first election of village 
officers was held. 'The trustees chosen were: Wil- 
liam Bailey, Jonathan Griffin, John Palmer, Reuben 
H. Walworth, Levi Piatt, Samuel Moore, Eleazer 
Miller, Clerk, Gilead Sperry. 

1897 The funeral services of the late Horace L. Jewett, 

colonel of the 21st Infantry, U. S. A. and command- 
ing officer at Plattsburgh Barracks, were held. The 
interment was with military honors in the Post 
cemetery. Colonel Jewett was a veteran of the Civil 
War and member of the Order of the Cincinnati. 

MAY 3 

Why Nature is so sweet, 
Sufficient and complete, 
Grows plainer day by day 
To him who learns her way. 

— James Buckham. 

1766 — arrived at Albany, where I was confined 

to my room, sometimes to my bed, until Saturday. 

— Gilliland. 

1785 Mr. Gilliland will please to confine his pro- 

posals for the lands at Ticonderoga to those com- 
prehended by the limits following to wit: bounded 
southerly and easterly by the waters of Lake Cham- 
plain; northerly and westerly by patented lands, as 
the commissioners cannot have any other land there, 
and of course are not authorized to receive proposals 
for any other least it might hereafter be subject to 
controversy. Mr. Gilliland will please to return this 
letter with his proposals. 

— George Clinton. Land Papers, v. 38, p. 109. 



124 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1793 Joseph Ketchum bought the interests of Peter 

Tappan and Israel Smith, in the mill company, but 
the next year he died suddenly while away on a 
business trip and subsequently many changes oc- 
curred in the ownership of the mills, the whole 
property at one time coming into the hands of Judge 
Levi Piatt and later into the hands of the Bank of 
Plattsburgh, when it was divided and sold piece- 
meal. 

1815 The trustees of Plattsburgh village elect Levi 

Piatt, as their first president and Gilead Sperry, 
clerk. 

1854 Providence Orphan Asylum of Burlington found- 

ed by Bishop DeGoesbriand. 

MAY 4 

And Nature's way is this: 
In naught to be remiss; 
To build a tree, a weed, 
As if with God agreed ; 

— James Buckham. 

1822 At an examination held in the Academy Theo- 

phelus A. O. Bruneau of Montreal, took the first 
prize in languages; Wm. C. Bacon of Plattsburgh, 
first in mathematics and composition; John P. 
Hall, first in declamation; John Ransom in geog- 
raphy; Miss Lucretia M. Davidson in composition 
and history; Elizabeth S. Freligh in arithmetic; 
Delia A. Grifiin in geography and Mary E. Walworth 
the second prize in the same subject. 

A Week Before Examinations. 
One has a headache, one a cold, 
One has her neck in flannel rolled ; 
Ask the complaint, and you are told 

'Next week's examination.' 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 125 

One frets and scolds, and laughs and cries, 
Another hopes, despairs, and sighs ; 
Ask but the cause and each replies, 

'Next week's examination.' 

One bans her books, then grasps them tight, 
And studies morning, noon, and night. 
As though she took some strange delight 
'In these examinations.' 

The books are marked, defaced, and thumbed. 
The brains with midnight tasks benumbed, 
Still all in that account is summed, 

'Next week's examination.' 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 

1848 Mary Ferris, widow of Gideon Rugar, died at 

her home on Rugar street, aged 95 years. 



MAY 5 

With the breaking forth of the buds in spring there is a 
certain primitive and inextinguishable passion that breaks forth 
in men. It is the well-nigh universal desire to go a-fishing. 

— James Buckham. 

1767 John and James Young, James Gilliland and 

his wife and Anne Hussey arrived this day from 
N. York. — Gilliland. 

1786 In England died Gen. Augustine Prevost, a 

British officer of the Revolution, and father of Sir 
George Prevost. 

1872 At the Albany Cathedral, amid a throng of 

spectators many of whom were old friends and had 
come from a distance, the Rev. Edgar P. Wadhams 
was consecrated bishop by Archbishop McClosky 
(the assistant consecrators being Bishops DeGoes- 
briand, of Burlington, and Williams, of Boston). 



126 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

** Go forth, then, man of God, where God and 
duty call thee : Be thou the Apostle of the American 
Highlands, and of that broad and noble plain whose 
borders are a majestic lake, a mighty river, an inland 
ocean, and the primeval mountains." 

— Extract from sermon on that occasion. 



MAY 6 

1777 Gen'l Burgoyne arrived at Quebec from Eng- 
land, — no Ships ever arrived sooner, the Passage 
up the River be'g obstructed by the Ice, Prepara- 
tions were now made for an Expedition umder his 
Command, against Tyconderoga. Contracts for 
Horses were made and Carriages purchased, the 
Batteaux's were put in repair and the New Ship 
called the Royal George was laimched and fitted up 
to carry 24 Guns, 12 P'rs. Some of the Rebel Vessels 
taken last year, were also put in condition to act 
offensively and went thro' several alterations, 

— Lieut. Hadden's Journal. 
— Harpenden, Oct. 28, 181 7. 

1778 Ethan Allen, prisoner of war in England, ex- 
changed for Lieut. John Campbell, 

1873 The Methodist Episcopal church in Champlain 

was consumed by fire, only the furniture of the 
parsonage and a few movable things in the church 
being saved. Most discouraging was the outlook 
for the new pastor, S, D, Elkin's, to find the house of 
worship and parsonage in ashes, but the Presby- 
terians offered the use of their vestry and through 
the energy of the new pastor, supported by this 
homeless flock, in two years another church was 
dedicated. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 127 



MAY 7 

Ah! happy is the man 
Who follows Nature's plan, — 
Pretends not ; is too great 
To seem or imitate ; 

— James Buckham. 

1767 — went with the Youngs to view land; they like 

the tract much. — Gilliland. 

1775 Ethan Allen with a band of two hundred and 

seventy men and Benedict Arnold with a Colonel's 
commission from the Committee of Safety of Mas- 
sachusetts, authorizing him to raise a regiment of 
four hundred men, met at Castleton, Vt. to lead an 
expedition to the surprise of Ticonderoga. 

1824 Bom in Chazy, Harry Sawyer Ransom, youngest 

son of Roswell and Ruth (Kingsley) Ransom. He 
went west — first to Missouri and then California, but 
returning to his native place, enlisted in his country's 
service. He was bre vetted Major, U. S. Vols, for 
eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle while 
commanding Company I, 11 8th Regiment, N. Y. 
Vols., at the battle of Drury's Bluff, Va., when he 
was severely wounded. 

1837 A public meeting at St. Ours on the RicheHeu 

to protest against Lord John Russell's measure 
depriving the Canadian Assembly of all control over 
revenues, etc. The real leader of the insurrection 
was' Dr. Wolfred Nelson, a physician of St. Denis, 
and the crowning act of the assembly was the choice 
of Louis Joseph Papineau as chief. Dr. Nelson was, 
after the failure of the insurrection, exiled to Ber- 
muda but escaping, came to- Plattsburgh, where his 
skill as a physician and surgeon won him a large 



128 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

practice. His son, Dr. Horace Nelson, a distinguished 
surgeon and publisher, married a daughter of Col. 
David B. McNeil. 

MAY 8 

1642 Maisonneuve and his company, now numbering 

forty men and four women, left Quebec where they 
had spent the winter, and set out for the island of 
Montreal. 

1765 — sowed the first of our garden seed. — GilUland, 

1766 The birthday of Liberty Newton, son of Marshall 
Newton of Shrewsbury, Mass. Afterwards, both 
father and son were pioneers of Shoreham, Vt., and 
the latter, a soldier of the Revolution, later settled 
at Ticonderoga, where, in i8oi, he built the first 
iron forge in Champlain Valley. 

1775 Main body of troops under Allen and Arnold 

left Castleton, to proceed by land to a point opposite 
/ Ticonderoga. At the same time, Capt. Herrick was 
sent to seize the small fort at Skeenesborough, take 
the vessels collected there, and meet Allen and 
transport his party across the lake. 

1805 Roads were laid out " Leading from the West 

Road so Call'd untill it Intersects Delong's Road 
leading to Chattagway;" "from Baitmantown untill 
it Intersects a Road Leading to Wood's Saw Mill;" 
"from Baitmantown to Chattagway;" "from a 
Road that Leads to Chattagway to David King's;" 
and one " from the State Road by Roswell Graves' 
towards Plattsburgh." 

1856 Samuel Moore, son of Andrew and EHzabeth 

(Dorland) Moore of Flushing, L. I. and grandson of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 129 

Dr. William Moore from Antrim, Ireland, who settled 
in|Stonington, Ct. died aged 86 years. He had sur- 
vived his wife, Elizabeth Pitcher, 21 years. As early 
as 181 1, he was a prominent merchant of the place 
and was chosen a member of the first board of trus- 
tees; also, of the committee to raise money by vol- 
untary subscriptions to purchase a lot for the Acad- 
emy; and, of the building committee. 

MAY 9 

The limpid lake lies languidly at rest, 
So chaste, so cool, so calm : 

— Grace Pearl Macomber. 

1775 Allen's party reached the shore of the lake 

opposite Ticonderoga early in the evening, and 
Herrick, not having arrived, had to procure a supply 
of boats in the neighborhood. A large oar boat 
belonging to Major Skene, was seized by James 
Wilcox and Joseph Tyler, while other boats were 
procured from other quarters. In the meantime, 
Capt. Herrick captured young Major Skene, twelve 
negroes and about fifty dependents or tenants 
without firing a gun; took a large schooner and 
several small boats, afterwards joining Allen at 
Ticonderoga. 

1790 Birth in Essex, Essex county, of Henry H. 

Ross, son of Judge Daniel and Elizabeth (Gilliland) 
Ross, early pioneers in Champlain valley. General 
Ross became one of the able lawyers of this region 
and was first Judge of the County under the new 
constitution, as his father had been under the old. 
In politics a Whig, on the dissolution of that party, 
he joined the northern wing of the Democracy and 
supported Douglass in i860. His homestead, built 
in 1820, is an interesting landmark. 



130 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1812 Catherine Kilburn Marsh, daughter of George 

and Polly (Buel) Marsh, formerly from Litchfield, 
Conn, and Gilead Sperry from Manchester, Vt., were 
married by the Rev. Frederick Halsey. Catharine 
street was so named in honor of Mrs. Sperry, because 
her husband gave to the village that portion of the 
street which ran through his property. 

1814 Capt. Daniel Pring entered the lake with the 

brig Linnet, five sloops, and thirteen galleys. Sev- 
eral of the enemy's vessels had been anchored near 
Rouses Point since the second of April when the 
northern end of the lake was free from ice. 

1841 Henry Buck, son of Ephraim and Mary Buck, a 

young man of twenty-one was drowned in Lake 
Champlain. This is but one of many instances where 
families in the valley gave a child to the waters of 
the lake. The Thurbers of Rouses Point and Judge 
Levi Piatt's family may be mentioned as examples. 

MAY 10 

1752 All the land along the lake shore in the north 

part of the County having been granted in Seig- 
niories by the French Government, and the grantees 
having failed to make any permanent improvement, 
all these grants were declared forfeited. 

1765 Wm. Gilliland, a prosperous merchant with 

assorted supplies embarked at New York for the 
Champlain Valley, where he first located between 
the Boquet river and SpHt Rock. With him were 
the Rev. George Henry, a minister; John Chislm 
and Robert Maclane, millwrights; George Melson, 
a carpenter; John Mattoon, a clerk; and James 
Storkner, Robert and John McAuley and George 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 131 

Belton, weavers. Besides these there were Mrs. 
Belton, and Mrs. Chislm with Catherine Shepherd^ 
hired to keep house, and Mary Craig, indentured 
for four years, 

1766 The Gilhland family set out with the Rev. Mr. 

Henry of Quebec and his family in separate bateaux. 
Mrs. Henry invited little Jane Gilliland, six years 
old, to accompany her. At Half Moon the bateau 
in which were the Henrys, was upset by a projecting 
tree and the strong current of the river, and little 
Jane and the two youngest sons of Mr. Henry "went 
adrift down with the current." Jane floated about 
half a mile; one boy, a mile, but was saved by a 
scrap of bark under his head, which kept his back 
above water. The body of the second youngest son 
was recovered five miles below Albany, 12 days 
after. 

1775 As day began to dawn, but 8^ of Allen's men 

had crossed the lake and the commander of the 
Green Mountain Boys resolved to wait no longer. 
While the boats were sent back for the rear divisions* 
under the guidance of young Nathan Beman, whose 
home was on the opposite shore at Shoreham, the 
intrepid party entered the fort by a covered way, 
and the surrender of the surprised garrison resulted 
in a few minutes, about four o'clock in the morning. 
The prisoners were the first of the Revolution and 
the cannon captured, drawn by ox-teams to Boston, 
enabled General Washington to make good his 
works on Dorchester Heights. 

Later, Warner arrived with the remaining troops, 
and was dispatched with a detachment of men to 
take Crown Point, but strong head winds drove back 
the boats and all returned the same evening. It was 
after the surprise of Ti that the altercations, accord- 



1^2 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

ing to Nathan Beman, occurred between Arnold 
and Allen, during which the latter became so enraged 
that he struck Arnold's hat from his head, and the 
sight of it, gay with tinsel and rolHng in the mud, 
was never forgotten by the boy eye-witness. Dr. 
Jonas Fay of Bennington was there that day as 
surgeon and he continued in that position after the 
arrival of Col. Elmore's Connecticut regiment. 

1803 In Shelburne, Vt. the boy afterwards known as 

"Captain Dan Lyon" was bom. A lad of five when 
the steamboat Vermont was launched at Burling- 
ton in 1808, he could remember the first steamboat 
on the lake and her quaint captain, John Winans. 
When Dan Lyon grew up he, too, became a " captain " 
and commanded successively the General Green, 
Phoenix No. 2, Winooski, and Whitehall, retiring 
about 1844, and spending his latter years in Bur- 
lington. 

1814 Pring anchored his fleet near Providence Island; 

Gen. Izard at Pittsburgh notified Macomb at 
Burlington of the approach of the enemy and late 
that night the latter sent the news to Vergennes 
and Capt. Thornton with 50 Hght artillerymen in 
wagons to man the battery. All night the selectmen 
of the lake towns worked running bullets for the 
approaching conflict. 

1850 Died at Bridport, at the age of 98, Gen. David 

Whitney, Revolutionary soldier and early settler 
of Addison on the north bank of Ward's Creek. Gen. 
Whitney was a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tions of 1793, 1814, '36, and '43, and represented 
Addison for many years. 

1892 Treadwell's Mills Pulp and Paper Company 

incorporated. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 133 

MAY 11 

1766 — set the first of our potatoes. 

— this day my daughter (Jane) was taken up 
at or close by the place she sank. — Gilliland. 

ins Crown Point, now garrisoned by a sergeant 

and twelve men only, captured by Warner and 
Capt. Remember Baker. The latter with his company 
had been summoned from the Winooski River set- 
tlement by Allen, and on the way had met and cap- 
tured two boats bound for St. John's with news of 
the capture of Ticonderoga. 

1776 Dr. Franklin left Montreal to-day to go to St. 

Johns and from thence to Congress. The doctor's 

declining state of health and the bad prospect of 

our affairs in Canada, made him take this resolution. 

— Charles Carroll of Carrollton in his Diary. 

1816 Death of Capt. Nathaniel Piatt, a brother of 

Judges Zephaniah and Charles Piatt, and one of 
the founders of Plattsburgh, to whom that city owes 
the extra width of Broad street and the tract com- 
prising the older portion of Riverside Cemetery. 
Captain Piatt is credited with having raised the 
first company of troops on Long Island. 

1909 A horse, in the swollen waters of the Ausable, 

made a most heroic fight for life, being carried nearly 
a mile downstream, from above Murray's mill dam, 
over that structure past the "deep hole," shooting 
rapids, and into a whirlpool, until rescued by one of 
the many men, who had watched with anxiety and 
admiration the hairbreadth escapes and wonderful 
courage of the noble animal. 



134 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

MAY 12 

1766 — removed her (Jane's) corpse to Coleman's, 

in Stillwater by his desire and request, who having 
laid out his family burying ground near his house, 
our daughter was decently interred there on Tuesday. 

— Gilliland. 

1777 Gen. Burgoyne proceeded to Montreal, using 

every possible exertion to collect and forward the 
troops and stores to Lake Champlain. 

1779 Capt. John Douglass, a soldier of the Revolution, 

was married to Hannah, daughter of Judge and 
Hannah (Douglass) Brown of Pittstown. They at 
first settled in Stephentown, but afterwards in 
Chazy, landing on the shore March 15, 1793, with 
his wife and seven children, the first English family 
to settle in the town. His brother Nathaniel, who had 
married his wife's sister Prudence, also settled in 
Chazy on land granted to their father, Asa, the 
Revolutionary soldier, who had led a company of 
thirty " Silver Grays " at the battle of Bennington. 

1 868 Death of Judge Lemuel Stetson, a man of decided 

talent, who occupied a leading position at the bar. 
He had held the positions of district attorney, member 
of Assembly, member of Congress, County judge, 
member of the Constitutional Convention of 1846, 
was a candidate for comptroller for the Democratic 
ticket in 1855. The Stetson house, built by James 
Savage, from whom Savage's Island was named, 
was removed to make room for the County Clerk's 
office. Its architecture bears a close resemblance 
to that of the Dr. Benj. J. Mooers house, next door 
north; to the Gen. Benj. Mooers house before the 
addition; to the Freligh house, next to the latter; 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 135 

the Morgan house, on Macomb street, and several 
others built in the early part of the nineteenth 
century. 

1886 Plattsburgh celebrated its first Arbor Day. 

MAY 13 

1765 William Gilliland reached Albany where he 

purchased and collected cattle, procuring boats 
from Schenectady and transporting them across 
the plains by wagons to the Hudson, the ascent of 
that river occupying eight days. 

1779 About midnight, eight of the prisoners captured 

by Major Carleton, the previous year in his descent 
from Canada, made their escape but four were re- 
captured opposite Quebec, three of them, Ward of 
Addison, and Nathan and Marshall Smith of Brid- 
port, again effected an escape, and after twenty 
days of incredible hardships, arrived at Bridport. 

1810 Piatt Newcomb, the first male child bom in 

Plattsburgh, married Ruth Scribner. 

1814 Friday, the British flotilla consisting of a brig 

(the Linnet, with 20 guns, commanded by Capt. 
Dan'l Pring), 6 sloops and schooners and 10 row- 
galHes passed up the lake from Rouses Point, and in 
the afternoon appeared off the village of Essex. 
The soldiers of one row-galley, after giving chase to a 
small row boat which escaped up the Boquet, landed 
on the north side of that river and plundered a farm 
house. The fleet anchored for the night off Split 
Rock, while the militia officers at Vergennes spent 
the night running bullets and Capt. Winans made 
preparations for blowing up his vessel, the steamer 



136 Three Centuries in Champlaix Valley 

Vermont, rather than permit her falHng into the 
hands of the enemy, 

1832 The Rev. Joseph Howland Coit began his labors 

in the newly organized parish of Trinity Church, at 
that time " consisting of only a few families, worship- 
ping in the Court House. This was the only point 
from Whitehall to Rouses Point, a distance of one 
hundred and twenty miles along the shore of Lake 
Champlain, where the Church had a foothold; while 
westward, one was compelled to traverse Clinton and 
Franklin counties entirely, and as far as Potsdam in 
St. LawTence, before a single congregation could be 
met in that direction." 



MAY 14 

1765 Isaac Bush and William Barnes, drovers, arrived 

at Alban}^, with 20 oxen, 20 cows, i bull, and a 
number of calves for me. — Gilliland. 

1775 Arnold embarked at Crown Point \s'ith fifty 

men on board the schooner captured at Skenes- 
borough, since fitted out and armed. 

1811 The committee appointed for the purpose, 

consisting of Samuel Moore, Jonathan Griflin, and 
Louis Ransom, purchased for ;^ioo from Abraham 
Brinckerhoff, Jr., of the City of New York, a lot 
extending four rods on Oak street and ten rods 
back, bounded on the south by "a contemplated 
street (now Brinckerhoff) to be laid out between 
the land of Melancton Smith and lot seven." The 
btiilding was begun at once and by fall was ready 
for occupancy, the first principal being Bela Edgerton 
with Benjamin Oilman from Oilmanton, N. H., 
as assistant. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 137 

1814 Early Saturday morning, the British flotilla 

sailed from Split Rock and attempted to enter Otter 
Creek to force their way to Vergennes to destroy 
the shipping, but were prevented by the fire from 
the works at the entrance, commanded by Capt. 
Thornton of the artillery and Lieut. Cassin of the 
iicLvy. 

"The leetle fort, Fort Cassin, they called it, fur 
the Lef tenant commandin' on't, gin em as good as 
they sent, an' the cannem thunderin' an' the echoes 
rumblin' an' baoundin' back an' tu, made a n'ise 
like twenty Fo'th o' Julys rolled into one — an' 
bimeby we seen the gunboats a-crawlin off, clean 
licked aout, tu where the ol' he boat was stan'in off 
julluk a henhawk sailin' over a barnyard, an' then 
they all put off down the lake 'n' aout o' sight." 
— Rowland Evans Robinson, 
Ferrisburgh, May 14, 1833; Oct. 15, 1900. 

1834 Great snow storm prevailed and the Rev. Moses 

Chase wrote in the Session book of the Presbyterian 
church of Plattsburgh: — "In consequence of ill 
health, I have obtained permission to be absent 
from my charge one year." The Rev. A. D. Brinck- 
erhofif was engaged to supply the Church during his 
absence. 

1845 Clinton, formed from Ellenburgh. The earliest 

settlement was along the Old Military Turnpike, the 
settlers at this point coming mostly from Vermont, 
around by the older town of Chateaugay. 

1862 The corner-stone of St. Patrick's chapel on St. 

Paul street in Burlington, laid and blessed. The 
chapel, a fine specimen of Gothic architecture, is 
built of white and purple sandstone. 



138 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



MAY 15 

I believe we shall never know, until it is revealed to us 
in the other life, how much the birds — the innocent, pure singers 
of the air — ^have done to lift humanity above its baser instincts, 
and make men more worthy to be called the sons of God. 

— James Buckham. 

1814 Macdonough's squadron sailed out of Otter 
Creek into the Narrows, and away to the north, 
cruising all summer about the lake, and drilling 
for the engagement that was deemed inevitable. 

1815 When the Constitution went out of commis- 
sion, H. B. Sawyer was transferred to the Independ- 
ence, Flag ship of Commodore Bainbridge in the 
Mediterranean and there remained from 181 6-1 7. 
In 1 81 8 he was promoted to Lieutenant and 
ordered to the Alert (the first British Man-of- 
War captiu-ed during the war of 181 2 -14). 

1887 Died Wendell Lansing, founder in 1839 at 

Keesville, N. Y., of the Essex County Republican. 
Not being able conscientiously to publish the Repub- 
lican on a radical anti-slavery basis, his poHtical 
principles being in advance of his party, he sold out. 
But in 1854 he returned to newspaper work and 
started the Northern Standard which, after the 
election of Lincoln, was merged with the Republican. 
A descendant of the Lansings of Holland and 
Holdens of England, all patriots, forty-two members 
of the two families serving in the Revolution, Wendell 
Lansing on the breaking out of the Civil War, raised 
a company of volunteers from the Au Sable Valley, 
and served in the campaign before Richmond. Sick- 
ness sent him home from the front. 

In 1864, he purchased the Plattsburgh Sentinel, 
then edited by Joseph W. Tuttle. The next year, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 139 

he formed a co-partnership with his son Abram W., 
just honorably discharged from the army, and later, 
after the re-purchase of the Essex County Repub- 
lican, the papers were run together until the son's 
death in 1896. 



MAY 16 

1808 The birthday of Andrew Witherspoon, D. D. 

" one of nature's noblemen." Born in Leith, Scot- 
land, he came with his father's family to Mooers, 
N. Y. and spent the greater part of his life in the 
Troy Conference. At Keeseville, before a session of 
that body, being called to answer the charge of writ- 
ing articles for the press arraigning the Church for 
countenancing American slavery, although no proof 
of his authorship could be produced, he arose and 
said: " But there is another tribunal before which 
we all stand, and to which all hearts are open," and 
with uplifted hand, he turned to Bishop Morris, 
adding, " Before God I dare not say that I am not 
the author of those articles." Then followed a 
masterly defense of his anti-slavery principles, and 
he lived to see them vindicated. 

1814 The steamboat Vermont, the first on the 

lake, on her trip between Burlington and Platts- 
burgh, escaped capture by three gunboats from the 
British fleet under Captain Pring, in ambush under 
the shore of Providence Island, opposite Cumberland 
Head, through the discovery and revelation of the 
plot by Duncan McGregor of Alburg, Vt. 

1822 Was burned the homestead built by Capt. 

Nathaniel Piatt, in 1796, from timber hewn and 
prepared in Poughkeepsie, and brought to Platts- 

V., burgh in bateaux. From this house Capt. Piatt 



140 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

refused to go at the time of the British invasion 
1 814, although all the family had fled to Peru, and 
he did not hesitate to express himself freely to a 
young officer who addressed him insolently. Doors 
from the original building are said to be in use in 
the present structure on the same site, the stone 
house built for Judge William Bailey, Cornelia Street. 

1838 At Irasburgh, at the home of her son Ira H., 

died Jerusha (Enos) Allen, daughter of Gen. Roger 
Enos and widow of Gen. Ira Allen. She was 74 
years old. 

1858 At his home (now Custom House Square) died 

" Uncle Robert " Piatt, whose wife, Mary Daggett 
Piatt, had died five years before. In 1843, Robert 
Piatt had removed from Valcour where, in 1798, 
his father. Judge Zephaniah, had given him a fine, 
large farm of several hundred acres on Lake Cham- 
plain in Peru. 

Suddenly out of the woods there broke 
A Une of cavalry, gray as smoke. 
A troop — a regiment — a brigade! 
God ! what a rush and roar they made. 

— James Biickham. 

1864 Of the men of the ii8th at Drury's Bluff, there 

were wounded Lieut. Col. Geo. F. Nichols, Adj. 
John M. Carter, Capts. Livingston and Ransom, 
Lieuts. Treadway and Sherman, while Capt. Dennis 
Stone, who before entering the army had been pastor 
of the Presbyterian Church at Au Sable Forks, and 
James H. Pierce were taken prisoners. Lieut. W. H. 
Stevenson was killed while carrying his wounded 
captain, Robert W. Livingston, to a place of safety. 
Of him his captain said: " No more gallant and 
generous spirit was offered among the victims of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 141 

the war. No praise of Lieutenant Stevenson— his 
gallant ardor— his dash— his generous friendship, 
can be misplaced." Stevenson's assistants, George 
Miller and William Huff were wounded, captured, 
and died in Southern prisons. It was here that 
Lieut. Henry J. Adams of Elizabethtown seized a 
standard and shouted " Rally round the flag boys! " 
In the morning of this disastrous day, Capt. 
Benedict, a young and gallant officer of the 96th, 




CAPT WALTER H. BENEDICT. 

was killed with two of his men by a shell. He was 
descended from two patriot families, the Halseys 
and Benedicts, hving on Long Island during the 
Revolution and afterwards early settlers of Platts- 
burgh. Walter H. Benedict Post, G. A. R. per- 
petuates his memory. 

MAY 17 
1642 Ascending the St. Lawrence, after nine days, 

Maisonneuve and his little company, reached the 



142 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

island of Montreal, where they erected an altar 
near the river. This was decorated by Mile. Mance 
and Mme. de la Peltrie: the Jesuit Father Vimont 
celebrated High Mass, while the entire band bowed 
before him. Thus was Villemarie (Montreal) founded. 

1775 At six o'clock Thursday morning, Arnold and 

his men, after a night of hard rowing in two small 
bateaux, reached St. Johns. The small garrison was 
soon taken with arms and stores, the King's sloop 




ELIZA H. MILLER PLATT 



1788 



with crew of seven men, two brass six-pounders, 
and four bateaux, while five were destroyed, leaving 
no boat for pursuit. Two hours later, the daring 
band started for Ticonderoga, on the captured sloop, 
re-christened the Enterprise. Their own vessel, the 
schooner captured at Skenesborough, they had left 
becalmed thirty miles above St. Johns. 

At Po'keepsie, to Dr. John Miller and his wife, 
Margaret Smith, was born a daughter, Eliza Hunting. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 143 

At four years of age, the little Eliza was left mother- 
less, but the one chosen to fill the vacant place 
was her mother's sister. Aunt EHzabeth, and the 
household was a well-ordered one. At fifteen, the 
eldest daughter left it for a home of her own. 

1820 On his mother's birthday, Jonas Piatt, the 

eighth child of Judge Levi Piatt, was bom. He 
was named for his paternal uncle, Judge Jonas 
Piatt. Young Jonas went to Louisiana and had 
numerous descendants. 

1827 Capt. Sidney Smith, U. S. N., died in the 45th 

year of his age. He left a widow (who afterwards 
married Asa Haskell of Malone and lived to old age) 
and children, William Sidney, Margaret, and Cathe- 
rine. During the siege of Plattsburgh, Captain 
Smith was a prisoner of war at Quebec. In his home 
hung an oil portrait of himself, painted when a very 
young man. Through this a British officer thrust a 
sword, making a hole in the neck. The mutilated 
likeness is still treasured by a granddaughter. 

MAY 18 

It is when this temperate zone of ours, and those rugged 
landscapes to which most of us are accustomed, are all pink 
and white and fragrant with blossoms of orchards, that angling 
time is at its height. — James Buckham. 

1765 Embarked in four bateaux, to proceed to Fort 

Edward, having to the amount of eighty barrels of 
stores and all the people on board; being detained 
until now for two bateaux, ordered from Schenec- 
tady. — GilUland. 

1775 Arnold and his party reached Crown Point on 

the King's sloop captured at St. Johns, and now 



144 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

called the Enterprise. On the way they had met 
Allen's party going north. 

1805 A road was laid out " Leading from John M. 

Grant's (Chazy) to Amos Ingraham's." 



MAY 19 

1765 — arrived at Half Moon, where we were joined 
the 2oth, by William Luckey, cooper and farmer, 
to get 40 s p month. — Gilliland. 

1766 — This day J. W. set out for to meet me, which 
he did at Stillwater and finding me sick and unable 
to travel, he returned with Nehemiah Smith, his 
wife, son and daughter, Archd McLaughlin, black- 
smith, Catharine Welch and Betsy Williams, who 
all arrived at Willsborough, 4 June. — Idem. 

1767 — Birth at New York of Sir George Prevost, son 
of Augustine Prevost, a British general of the Revo- 
lution, who was born at Geneva, Switzerland, about 

1725- 

1775 — English troops at St. Johns fired upon Allen's 

party with six field pieces and two hundred small 
arms. This fire Allen returned but, realizing the 
superior numbers of the enemy, hastily re-embarked 
for Crown Point. 

1790 — Death of General Israel Putnam, a Ranger 

with Rogers and an ofificer in the Revolution, at 
Bunker Hill, Long Island, New Jersey and West 
Point. 

1855 In Columbus, Ohio, died Major Reuben Sanford, 

a pioneer of Wilmington and commander at the 
battle of Pittsburgh of " Sanford 's Battalion.'' 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 145 

It was he who built the brick church, store and old 
red school house at Wilmington. After the retreat 
from Culver's Hill and Halsey's Corners on Sept. 6, 
while engaged in cutting the stringers to destroy the 
upper bridge over the Saranac, his axe was hit by 
a bullet and stuck in the " Scarf " of the wood he 
was chopping, but the Major kept on, only remarking 
" It's too bad to spoil such a good ax." 

1873 — The musical qualities of the organ in the 

Presbyterian Church, the gift of S. F. Vilas, exhibited 
by Professors Moore and Reed. 



MAY 20 

1784 Sailly reached Poughkeepsie, the home of the 

Platts. 

1841 Plattsburgh Lyceum incorporated with Hon. 

J. Douglas Woodward, as president. 

1844 The remains of Lieut. Kingsbury of the 3d 
Buffs (who died at the farmhouse of Isaac C. Piatt, 
Esq., after the engagement at Halsey's Corners, 
Sept. 6, 1 814) removed from Mr. Piatt's garden 
where they had been interred, to Riverside cemetery 
by Capt. C. A. Waite, then commander at Platts- 
burgh Barracks. 

1845 At Port Gilliland, Anna Maria Staats, wife of 
William Gilliland, Jr., died. Although the burying 
ground, just north of their home, was the gift of her 
husband to the neighborhood, and was known as 
Gilliland cemetery, she was buried in Riverside 
cemetery. Their barn was often used for the services 
of the M. E. chxirch until the building of the church 
at Port Jackson. 



146 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1869 Dr. Benjamin John Mooers, only son of John 

Mooers, a pioneer in the valley in 1793, passed away 
in his sleep, but six weeks after the loss of his wife. 
Dr. Mooers had practiced medicine in Plattsburgh 
through a long life, acting as surgeon at the battle 
in 1 81 4. For years he was oftener called in con- 
sultation than any other physician in the county. 
He was a " careful, judicious, and successful prac- 
titioner, well calculated for the family physician — 
an honest man and christian gentleman." While 
pursuing his professional studies at the College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of New York, he counted 
among his friends, the celebrated Dr. Valentine 
Mott. It was during his journeys through the lake 
to New York that he first made the acquaintance of 
Capt. John Boynton, whose daughter became the 
wife of his eldest son, 

1874 " Home for the Friendless in Northern New 

York " incorporated by act of legislative power. 

MAY 21 

1775 Allen's party reached Ticonderoga in the evening 

and found Arnold's party had arrived two days before, 

1817 In the town of Lewis, Essex County, N. Y,, 

was born Edgar P,, the sixth and youngest child 
of Gen, Luman Wadhams and his wife, Lucy Prindle 
(n^e Bostwick). At an academy in Shoreham, Vt., 
the future first bishop of Ogdensburgh prepared for 
Middlebury College from which he was graduated 
with honors in 1838 and from which college he re- 
ceived the degree of LL.D, a short time before his 
death, 

1843 Died at Rouses Point, Ezra Thurber, son of 

Edward Thxirber, Sr. (pioneer in the town of Cham- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 147 

plain, 1799) and his wife, Abigail Thurber. Gen. 
Ezra Thurber, in 1823, gave and laid out the old 
burying ground at Rouses Point; was admitted to 
the fellowship of " The Second Baptist Church of 
Chazy " in 1824, and became a prominent member, 
resigning its clerkship just one week before his death, 

1886 Birthday of William Mooers Piatt, member of 

the Nathan Beman Society, Children of the American 
Revolution, He died April 30, 1898. 

Dear my friend, grieve not o'ermuch 
For the vanished voice and touch; 

Nay, ah nay! Bide thou a while 
In thy place, nor weep, but smile. 
Some day — sweet day! — thou shalt rise, 
Pass the curtain, meet his eyes! 

— James Buckham. 

MAY 22 

1773 The marriage license of Charles Piatt of Pough- 

keepsie and Caroline Adriance of Fishkill was re- 
corded at Albany. The bride was born in Holland, 
a country which her husband had visited some years 
previous during an extensive tour embracing the 
West Indies, Mosquito Coast, Charlestown, S. C, 
England, Hollandand Madeira, returning to New York 
after an absence of ten years and six months. Mrs. 
Piatt always read her Dutch Bible. She was a 
notably handsome woman even in advanced years, 
having rosy cheeks and a dignified mien and wearing 
a cap with daintily crimped border. The three 
daughters and five sons were: Margaret, married 
N. H. Treadwell; Letitia, first wife of Rev. Frederick 
Halsey ; Hannah, wife of Eleazer Miller ; and Zephaniah, 
Isaac C, Charles C, Nathaniel, and Nathaniel 2nd. 

1784 Sailly left Poughkeepsie for Albany. 



148 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1864 Henry S. Johnson died of consumption at his 

home in Plattsburgh. Though young, only 38, he 
had successfully overcome the many obstacles which 
beset his path, when barely fourteen carrying his 
own compass in the work of surveying, teaching 
school at sixteen, and at eighteen studying law in the 
office of Swetland and Beckwith, ultimately becoming 
an able law}^er in the threefold character of attorney, 
counsel and advocate. As a citizen, neighbor and 
friend, he was without reproach. 

Say not that his course is run. 
Heaven is older than the sun, 
Heaven saw his task begun. 

— James Buckhant. 

MAY 23 

1775 Birth at Hartford, Conn., of Ann, daughter of 

John and Ann (Skinner) Whitman. 

This day, be it sacred : Ye spii-its of air : 
Who guarded the couch of the infant so fair — 

— Mrs. Margaret M. Davidson. 

Ann Whitman became the wife of Timothy Balch 
of the same place, who, about 1802 settled at Platts- 
burgh (now West Plattsburgh). Both were members 
of the First Presbyterian church. 

1784 — arrived at Albany which is 84 miles from 

Poughkeepsie, 168 miles or French agues from 
New York. — Sailly. 

1796 Zadock Thompson, the second son of Capt. 

Barnabas Thompson of Bridgewater, Vt., was born. 
A long convalescence from a severe wound which 
nearly cost his Hfe, gave him opportunity for study 
and he graduated from the U. V. M. with honor in 
1823. From his labors, we have a vast amount of in- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 149 

formation regarding Vermont, obtainable from no 
other source. His chief work is "Natural, Civil and 
Statistical History of Vermont " published in 1843 
and written while the author was engaged in teaching 
in the Vermont Episcopal Institute. His death in 
1856 was occasioned by ossification of the heart. 

Is learning your ambition? 

There is no royal road; 
Alike the peer and peasant 

Must climb to her abode : 

— Saxe. 

1861 At Fort Warren in Boston Harbor as the "re- 

cruits " were marching around the mess room in 
single file, one James E. Greenleaf started the line 
" Glory, Glory, Hallelujah." One of their number 
was a John Brown and someone added " John 
Brown's body lies amouldering." The men caught 
the inspiration of the moment and line after line was 
added to the song, the men singing the chorus as 
they filed out upon the parade ground. That very 
night, the bandmaster, P. S. Gilmore, arranged the 
music for his full band. 



MAY 24 
1765 — Arrived at Fort Miller. — Gilliland. 

1810 General Mooers took for a second wife, Elizabeth 

Addoms, daughter of his neighbor on Cumberland 
Head, Major John Addoms. 

1812 The Union Academy was opened in Peru under 

the direction of Chauncey Stoddard and Mary 
Rogers, for the instruction of pupils in the usual 
branches. Tuition was $2 per quarter, but for those 
studying grammar, the price was $2.50. Board in re- 
spectable families could be obtained for $1.20 per week. 



150 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1861 "John Brown's Body" was played at dress 

parade for the first time by the band at Fort Warren. 

1873 The Bible and Hymn Book was presented to 

the First Presbyterian Church by Mrs. C. E. M. 
Edwards. Both are from the Cambridge University 
Press, the print of perfect clearness with red capitals 
and border lines, while the binding, done in Boston, 
is the heaviest Levant morocco of a dark blue with 
deep embossing, 

1894 Chief-engineer John W. Moore, U. S. N., retired 

with the rank of rear-admiral, having reached the 
age of 62, after 42 years of active service. He was 
in the first Atlantic-cable expedition, and with 
Farragut, and has been a member of the Society of 
the Cincinnati 33 years, having taken the place of 
his maternal grandfather, Gen. Benj. Mooers. 

MAY 25 

Pursue the path our fathers trod, 

Be thou, my son, what they have been: 

— (Mrs.) Margaret M. Davidson. 

1775 Nehemiah Hobart was born. In 1795 he married 

Lydia Randall, aunt of Postmaster-general Randall 
and in 1801 they became pioneers in Peru. At the 
battle of Plattsburgh he served as a militiaman: 
a worthy son of his sire, Daniel Hobart, the first 
martyr of the Revolution from Ashburnham, Mass. 

1792 At Panton, Vt., Hiram Ferriss was bom. He 

was the first steamboat pilot on the lake, taking 
the helm of the old Vermont when she was launched 
in 1809 and serving as steamboat pilot until 1859, 
just half a century. During that period he served 
as pilot on every boat of the Champlain Transporta- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 151 

tion Company without encoiintering a single serious 
accident. The rocky reef opposite Port Kent was 
discovered by him and bears his name. Between 
1825 and 1830, he settled in Chazy and that was 
his home until 1874 when he went to Wisconsin. 

1861 "John Brown's Body " was first sung in Boston 

as the men marched up State street from garrison 
duty. 

1909 The Ticonderoga Historical Society with its 

guests celebrated Field day, placing temporary 
markers at the " landing place of the most powerful 
armed force (Army of Abercrombie and Lord Howe) 
that ever came within our borders," Rigaud's Camp, 
the crossing by the MiHtary Road of Main Street and 
of the River above the Falls; also, the spot where 
Lord Howe's bones were found, Mt. Hope or Mill 
Heights, and The French Lines. 

MAY 26 

1826 Congress passed a resolution of thanks to Mid- 

shipman Siles Duncan of the Saratoga, for his gallant 
conduct under the severe fire of the enemy (then 
marching on the beach near Dead Creek). Duncan 
went alone in a gig to order the return of the galleys, 
lying in Cumberland bay. 

Congress, the same month, also authorized the 
President to cause to be deUvered to the members 
of the company of "Aiken's Volunteers," the rifle 
promised each by Gen. Macomb, for their patriotic 
services during the siege of Plattsburgh. The mem- 
bers of this company, mere boys, none of them old 
enough for military service, were: — Martin J. Aiken, 
Azariah C. Flagg, Ira A. Wood, Gustavus A. Bird, 
James Trowbridge, Hazen Mooers, Henry K. Averill, 
St. John B. L. Skinner, Frederick P. Allen, Hiram 



152 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Walworth, Ethan Everest, Amos Soper, James Patten, 
Bartemus Brooks, Smith Bateman, Melancton W. 
Travis, and Flavius WilHams. The presentation was 
made the next year by Gen. Mooers, then living 
in the house to which these boys marched, to tender 
their services to Gen. Macomb. 

1861 On Sabbath morning, Lois (Barnes) Durand, 
daughter of Joseph and Lucretia Barnes, and wife 
of Calvin Durand, " entered into rest." Her remains 
are resting in her native place, Charlotte, Vt., where 
she was born in 1799, and where, March 3, 181 9, 
she married a grandson of Francis Joseph Durand, 
of Besancon, France. After a few years, the young 
couple removed to Clintonville, N. Y., where their 
children were reared. The younger generation located 
in Milwaukee and Chicago, and there her son, Henry 
C. Durand, gave to Lake Forest College, in memory 
of his mother, Lois Durand Hall. Mrs. Durand was 
a granddaughter of the Revolutionary officer. Col. 
Asa Barnes, and his wife, Lois Yale, a descendant 
of the founder of Yale College. 

1862 On the Williamsburgh road, in Virginia, leading 
the reserve pickets. Major John E. Kelly of the 
96th, fell, struck by four bullets. His remains, in 
charge of Capt. Sweeney, were taken to his stricken 
family at Plattsburgh. 

One more captain on God's field 
Armed with mightier sword and shield 
Than of yore his arms could wield. 

— Buckham. 

MAY 27 

1735 Judge Zephaniah Piatt, " The Patroon " and 

one of the original settlers of Plattsburgh was born 
at Huntington, Long Island. He was a son of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 153 

Zephaniah who, when 74 years old, was with many 
of his neighbors, taken prisoner by the British and 
driven into New York where he was confined in the 
old prison ship. Falling ill with smallpox, he was 
released at the earnest entreaty of his daughter 
Dorothea, by Sir Henry Clinton but four days before 
his death. 

1765 Joined by Martin Taylor, farmer, at 45s p 

month . — GilUland. 

1813 Mid. Horace Bucklin Sawyer was directed by 

Com. Macdonough to take one of the gun boats to 
Plattsburgh. On entering the bay, however, she 
was struck by a gust of wind and thrown on her 
beam end and it was several hours before her crew 
were rescued more dead than alive from their im- 
mersion in nearly ice-cold water and taken on board 
the Eagle. 

1824 The first college building in Burlington, begun 

in 1 801 and completed in 1807 at a cost of $40,000, 
was destroyed by fire. It was of brick, four stories 
high, 160 feet long, 75 feet wide in the center, and 
45 feet in the wings and had been taken by the U. S. 
government for an arsenal in 181 3 and leased for 
barracks ini8i4. Ini8i5, after it had been repaired, 
the college sessions were resumed. 

1831 Died in Plattsburgh, Joel Buck and his wife 

Hulda Bostwick, each aged 73 years. They were 
born and died on the same date, and a double blue 
marble stone marks their graves. They had come 
from New Milford, Conn., about 1810-1812 with 
their children Bellini, Philander, David, Ephraim, 
and Hulda who married Daniel Beckwith, a farmer 
of West Plattsburgh. Their son Ephraim, who was 
president of the village in 1835, went west in 1840. 



154 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1869 The Roman Catholic Church re-incorporated 

under the name of " St. John the Baptist's Church 
of Plattsburgh," with the Right Rev. John J. Con- 
roy, Bishop of the Diocese of Albany, the Very Rev. 
Edgar P. Wadhams, Vicar-General of the diocese, 
and Richard J. Maloney, Pastor of the Church, and 
two laymen as trustees, the first two appointed 
were Bernard McKeever and Patrick K. Delaney. 

MAY 28 

Blossoms In Age. 

Yon is an apple-tree, 
Joints all shrunk like an old man's knee, 
Gaping trunk half eaten away, 
Crumbling visibly day by day; 
Branches dead, or dying fast, 
Topmost limb like a splintered mast. 
Yet behold, in the prime of May, 
How it blooms in the sweet old way! 

— James Btickham. 

1806 John Ransom who, with his sons for many 

years kept hotel near the first steamboat landing at 
Cumberland Head, died. It was at his w^harf " Ran- 
som's Landing " that the early boats, the Vermont 
and Phoenix stopped; here also, John Jacob Astor 
on his way to buy furs in Canada, was a guest once 
an entire week. 

1889 At Crown Point, his native place, died Gen. 

John Hammond, a son of Charles F. Hammond who 
settled there early in the century, and was for more 
than fifty years the leading business man in the iron 
and lumber industries. Gen. Hammond did most 
gallant service in the war and was twice wounded. 
After peace was restored he devoted himself to the iron 
manufacturing and railroad interests of the region. 
He was a member of the 46th and 47th Congress. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 155 

MAY 29 

1765 — arrived at Fort George, with all the people, 

cattle, bateaux and goods. — Gilliland. 

1795 Isaac Smith of Dutchess county died at the age 

of 72. His daughter Phebe, the wife of Dr. Mat- 
thias Burnet Miller of Brooklyn, was the mother of 
Mrs. Davidson, a poetess herself like her son and 
two of her daughters. Isaac Smith's daughters 
Margaret and Elizabeth were the first and second 
wives of Dr. John Miller, a brother of Dr. Burnet, 
both sons of Burnet Miller, a Revolutionary soldier, 
who died in Plattsburgh in 1797. 

1814 Macdonough brought his fleet out of Otter Creek 

and cast anchor that same evening off Plattsburgh. 

1821 Judge Charles Piatt, the first actual and perma- 

nent settler of Plattsburgh, passed away. He was 
always addressed as "Judge " and held that office 
for Clinton county until sixty years old. His " ruf- 
fled shirt-front, stately appearance, ruddy complexion 
and pleasant countenance " greatly impressed the 
yoimger generation. It was Judge Piatt who, when 
in London in 1761 copied the description of the 
Piatt coat of arms. For several years he was the 
only settler with a knowledge of medicine and this 
he put to good use, doctoring the poor gratuitously 
and giving treatment to the Indians for "a beaver 
skin, the usual fee for bleeding." 

1824 Elizabeth Piatt went from her home on Cum- 

berland Head the bride of Henry Ketchum Averill, 
Sr. To her, the youngest daughter of his only sister 
Hannah, the Hon. Moss Kent gave the house on 
Margaret street, corner of Cornelia, next door north 
of her sister, the wife of Dr. Mooers. It was in this 
house that Moss Kent first met the little girl, Lucretia 



156 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Davidson, whose benefactor he became. Here, 
the young mother, Mrs. Averill, died at 35, leaving 
three children. 

The Plattshurgh Republican of this date reads, 
" we are gratified to learn that the Post Master 
here has received from the Post-Master General 
instructions to contract for bringing the mails from 
Whitehall to this place twice a week by the steam- 
boat. This is as it should be." 

1872 Lucretia, wife of Zephaniah Pitt Piatt died aged 

72 years. She and her sister Ann Eliza, daughters 
of Col. Thomas Miller were married on the same 
day (Jan. 14, 1829), the one to Zephaniah P. and the 
other to Zephaniah C. Piatt, his cousin. The presence 
of " hundreds " of guests made the wedding what 
is known among the Germans as a " high time." 

MAY 30 

1838 Long years before this day had been set apart 

in memory of our patriotic dead, the Hon. Moss 
Kent died at his home with his nephew and name- 
sake, the Hon. Moss Kent Piatt. Moss Kent, son of 
Moss Kent, Esq. and brother of the Chancellor, was a 
practising lawyer, and held many important political 
civil offices. His betrothed, a sister of J. Fenimore 
Cooper, having been killed while horse-back riding, 
he never married, but his kindness and generosity 
to those about him was unbounded. To him, her 
benefactor, Lucretia Davidson, owed her superior 
advantages of education and to several of his nieces 
he gave homes. 

The golden age of peace has come on earth : 
Lo, in the blood-stained fields, the lilies bloom, 

And softly on the alien soldier's tomb 
Is laid the wreath that owns his niianly worth. 

— Buckham. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 157 

1898 Saranac Chapter sent to the State Regent, 
D. A. R., $20 to be used in equipping hospitals, and 
the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 
marked the site of the Battery of 181 3-14 by the 
gift of a flagstaff and flag. 

1899 Saranac Chapter, D. A. R., placed bronze 
markers on the graves in Riverside Cemetery of the 
following soldiers of the Revolution: 

Thomas Allen, — 1811. Capt. Nathaniel Piatt, — 1741- 

Zenas Allen, — 1763 — 1811. 1816. 

Loring Larkin, — 1755-1845. Judge Zepheniah Piatt, — 1735- 

[Interred on Larkin Place.] 1807. 

Gideon Rugar, — 1808- 

Bumet Miller, — 1797- Lieut. Peter Roberts, — 1804. 

Gen. Benj. Mooers, — 1758- Allen Smith. — 1759-1847. 

1838. Judge Melancton Smith, — 1744- 

Adoniram Parrott. 1798. 

Judge Chas. Piatt, — 1744- Judge Thomas Treadwell, — 1742— 

1821. 1832. 

Daniel Piatt, — 1756-1836. Jonathan Winchell. 

The Society of the War of 181 2 also placed 
markers on the graves of eleven of the eighty veterans 
of that war known to be buried in this cemetery. 
Henry K. Averill ; Sheldon Durkee ; Jeremiah Graves ; 
Smith Mead; Dr. B. J. Mooers; John Nichols; Judge 
Levi Piatt; Zeph. Pitt Piatt; Capt. Sidney Smith; 
Matthew M. Standish; Hiram Walworth. 

The Children of the American Revolution dec- 
orated the grave of Samuel Beman, father of Nathan 
Beman for whom their chapter is named. The 
exercises were closed by the singing of the " Star 
Spangled Banner." 

1905 The Vermont branch of the Society of the United 

States Daughters of 181 2 placed a marker on the 
grave in Elmwood Cemetery, Burlington, of Joseph 
Barron, pilot of Macdonough's flagship, the Saratoga 
during the battle of Plattsburgh. 



158 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



MAY 31 




ETHAN ALLEN. 



1778 Ethan Allen, on his arrival in this country, 

waited on Gen. Washington at Valley Forge and then 
returned to Vermont, where he was received with 
great joy. " Three cannons were fired that evening, 
and the next morning Col. Herri ck gave orders and 
fourteen more were discharged " welcoming him to 
Bennington ; * ' thirteen for the United States and 
one for young Vermont." 



1817 Miss Susan Cook who had, as a pupil at the 

examination the previous fall, distinguished herself 
" in all the branches pursued " thereby winning 
first prize (Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Reli- 
gion in the Soul) and had drawn the " best map of 
the United States and the best two of the whole " 
now became instructor of the young ladies of the 
Academy in the " various useful and ornamental 
branches." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 159 

1828 Capt. and Mrs. Charles T. Piatt lost their little 

son Benjamin Walworth and he was laid to rest in 
the village cemetery beside his baby sister Caroline 
who had died three years before. 

From 1826 to '29 Capt. Piatt leased the white 
house with bright green door and jet black knocker, 
standing, gable end to the east side of Peru street,' 
just north of the down grade of Charlotte. In this 
neighborhood, the short, stout, jolly-spirited cap- 
tain with his bronzed face, curling black hair and 
piercing eyes, home from a short cruise, was a familiar 
figure. His wife (a sister of Chancellor Walworth) 
was as unlike her sailor husband as possible, for she 
was tall and angular, with fair hair and complexion 
and eyes of dark blue looking out from a face ahnost 
classic in its symmetry. 



l6o Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



JUNE I 

May and June have the same, sweet, constant, gentle, 
unvarying winds — feminine voices, but no longer childish, queru- 
lous, nor uncertain; voices that hint of the ripeness, the poise, 
and stability of womanhood. — Buckhavn. 

1765 — arrived at Ticonderoga landing. — Gilliland. 

1767 — planted peas which being old did not grow. 

— Idem. 

1776 Received orders to disembark (the wind still 

against us or rather calmj, and march up on shore 
towards the enemy. We w^ere about 500 men — and 
more, we hoped, not far in our rear — all in great 
spirits on leaving the ships. Our camp equipage 
and other baggage were left on board, to come up 
when the wind would serve. 

— Lieut. Dighy's Journal. 

William Hay, who lived in a house near the shore 
of the lake opposite Valcour Island, on a tract of 
land granted in 1765 to Lieut. Friswell, went to 
Montreal to purchase a supply of flour and while 
there, was arrested and thrown into prison by order 
of Gen. Carleton. After several days, at the solicita- 
tion of merchants of that city, he was released. On 
his return he went to Crown Point and gave to the 
American commander there information regarding 
the strength and plans of the Indians that was con- 
sidered of much value at the time. 

1894 New Barracks of Plattsburgh Military Post 

occupied for the first time by Companies D, F and G 
2ist Infantry, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley i6i 



JUNE 2 

These winds make low, even sounds about your casement, 
and in your trees, and over the grass, all day long. They express 
natiu-e's utter contentment and peace. They bring me news of 
God's love for his world and his ever-reminding presence in it. 

— James Buckham. 

J 765 — busy getting the goods and bateaux acrost 

the landing. — Gilliland. 

1766 — arrived at fort George on that day, in the 
evn'g. My illness continuing, detained us all at 
fort George for 9 days from the 2d, to Wednesday, 

— Idem. 

1767 — planted the following: muskmelons, shaped 
20th July; radishes, lettuce, tong grass, parsley, 
savory, celeri, late cabbages, mustard, leeks, onions; 
they all came up short owing I believe to dry weather. 

— Idem. 

1795 At a town-meeting in Plattsburgh, a tax of ;^25 

was voted for the benefit of schools. 

1800 Calvin K. Averill, son of Nathan Averill, Jr. 

and his wife Polly Ketchum, was bom at Peru. 

1813 Lieut. Sidney Smith, U. S. N. with two sloops 

of war, the Growler and Eagle, chased some British 
boats over the line into Canada. The same day, the 
town of Peru was first divided into school districts 
by Benjamin Sherman, William Keese, and Robert 
Piatt, Commissioners. 



l62 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 3 

Oh! the summer moms and evenings, when the lazy, lowing cows 
Let you dream your boyish day-dreams, while they idly stopped 
to browse. — James Buckham. 

1813 At three o'clock in the morning Lieut. Smith 

found himself at Ash Island while the enemy's row- 
galleys had taken refuge under the guns and forti- 
fications of Isle aux Noix. Retreat against the 
current of the lake and in the face of a strong south 
wind, was impossible and in the four-hour engagement 
that followed the Americans were forced to surrender. 
The officers, among whom were Lieut. Smith, Loomis, 
sailing master of the Eagle; Sawyer, midshipman, 
and Capt. Herrick, w^ere sent first to Montreal and 
then to HaHfax where they were confined in one of 
H. M. ships of war, commanded by Hon. Capt. 
Douglas " who treated them with great kindness 
although his government had proposed to deal with 
them as with traitors until assured by our govern- 
ment that for everyone so dealt with, two English- 
men should receive similar treatment." After an 
exchange had been effected. Mid. Sawyer was ordered 
to the Constitution. 

1816 At Highgate, Vt., was born John Godfrey Saxe, 

second son of Peter and Elizabeth (Jewett) Sax, his 
wife. Godfrey Sachs, the great-grandfather, died in 
Prussia when his son John, the emigrant, was but 
fourteen. The name, anglicized to Sax had the e 
added during the last half century. John Godfrey 
Saxe, was an American poet, journalist, and lecturer, 
best known, however, for his humorous poems. In 
1859 and i860 he was the unsuccessful candidate 
for governor of Vermont. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 163 

1824 James vSavage, Esq., died " at his seat in Platts- 

burgh," aged 84 years. He was buried beside his 
wife, Anne, in Elmwood cemetery, Burlington. 

1875 At his home, four miles from the village of Platts- 

burgh on the old turnpike leading to Malone, died 
Elder Chester Balch for more than 30 years a ruling 
elder of the First Presbyterian church — a man of the 
old puritanical stamp. He was a son of Timothy 
Balch of Hartford, Conn., who had located about 
1802 on a farm a short distance from that of his 
brother Ebenezer. 



JUNE 4 

We had God's sunshine for our drink, 

And all the things of earth were sweet — 

— Buckham. 

1646 Father Isaac Jogues with Sieur Bourdon, royal 

engineer, and some Indians arrived at Fort Orange, 
where he had formerly been so hospitably received 
and sheltered for six weeks after his escape from 
his Mohawk captors, 

1690 A small party of French and Indians of the Sault 

and Mountains returning from an expedition against 
the English in canoes, " being arrived at noon at 
Salmon river which falls into Lake Champlain " 
while at evening prayer were discovered by a war 
party of Algonquins and Abenakis. 

Paris Documents, Colonial History. 

1760 Major Rogers, who had left Crown Point with 

200 Rangers and 25 light infantry in bateaux in 
October, landed his men on the west shore of the 
lake, twelve miles south of Isle aux Noix (Rouses 



164 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Point), the rest of his party remaining on board the 
sloop which, under the command of Capt. Grant, 
had been sent back to Isle la Motte. 

1765 — proceeded to Crown Point. — Gilliland. 

1 777 — being the King's Birthday the Town (Montreal) 

was illuminated. — Hodden. 

1796 Capt. Nath'l Douglass of Chazy, and Lucy Con- 

verse were married. They moved to Isle la Motte, 
Vt., but, in 181 1, emigrated to the township of 
Sherrington, Canada, where Douglass had taken up 
a tract the year before, felled trees, built a hut, and 
now, was to become a first settler. His father, 
Nathaniel, Sr., and his brothers, James and Jonathan, 
soon joining him from Chazy, the settlement was 
called Douglass ville. In 181 2, Capt. Douglass was 
appointed by the British government, captain of 
militia and held the office till his death. 

1804 Birth in Granville, Washington county, N. Y,, 

of J. Douglass Woodward, son of William Woodward, 
a captain in the Revolution with Washington at 
Valley Forge. At the early age of nine, dependent 
upon his own energies for success, he came to Pitts- 
burgh to attend the old Academy. There, he 
attracted the attention of Reuben H. Walworth, 
who could well appreciate the efforts of the studious 
lad to make the most of his opportunities. In the 
law office of Judge John Lynde and afterwards, 
through life the untiring energy and industry of the 
man was displayed and his pure life and practical 
efforts in behalf of Plattsburgh (especially in the 
laying out and improvement of streets) should not be 
forgotten. From his son and daughter, William 
and Helen streets were named. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 165 

1808 Casper Otto with his family, refugees from Ham- 

burg, arrived at Baltimore in the last ship sailing 
from Toningen and reaching the United States before 
the famous Embargo Act went into operation. This 
ship was the Perseverance, Fisher, master, of Martha's 
Vineyard. Caspar Otto had been a prosperous mer- 
chant, but when Napoleon's army, 18,000 strong, 
under Davoust, was quartered upon the peaceful 
citizens and the Bank of Hamburg seized, only 
financial disaster could come to the Otto family and 
they determined to emigrate to America. 

— Life of Bishop Hopkins. 

1812 Horace BuckHn Sawyer of BurHngton entered 

the navy of the United States as a midshipman and 
was at once ordered to the Eagle (Lieut. Sidney 
Smith), which cruised in company with the Growler 
(sailing master Jairus Loomis) protecting American 
interests on Lake Champlain. 

JUNE 5 

1690 At sunrise the next morning the Algonquins and 

Abenakis attacked the returning party, killing two 
and wounding ten, which was much regretted by the 
French, since those who were defeated and taken 
were " our most faithful allies," among them the 
Great Mohawk.— Pan^ Documents, Colonial History. 

THE DEAD BRAVE. 

Bow and arrows by his side, 
Soft and tawny panther's hide, 
Food for journey to the bound 
Of the Happy Hunting Ground, 
So they laid him in his grave, 
Stern, bronze, silent Indian brave. 
— James Buckham. 

1765 Arrived (at Crown Point) having left the whole 

of the cattle there under the care of W^illiam Luckey, 



l66 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

(except 4 oxen left at Ticonderoga with Martin Tay- 
ler and my negro man Ireland, to haul logs to the 
saw mill in lieu of 120 boards got there, and which 
were rafted down to Crown Point by E. Ayres and J. 
Watson), we proceeded. — Gilliland. 

1777 I crossed the St. Lawrence (here near two miles 

wide) and arrived at Longeiul on the opposite shore, 
with the Detachment of Artillery destined for the 
expedition. — Hadden. 

1894 Plattsburgh PubUc Library chartered by the 

Regents of the University of the State of New York. 

I love vast libraries; yet there is a doubt 
If one be better with them or without, — 
Unless he use them wisely, and, indeed. 
Knows the high art of what and how to read. 

— Saxe. 

JUNE 6 

1760 Rogers was attacked while encamped near place 

of landing by 350 French troops, sent from fort at 
Isle Aux Noix under command of M. Le Force and, 
after a short but severe engagement, defeated the 
French who returned to Isle Aux Noix, while he 
retired to Isle La Motte. 

1816 On Thursday, the atmosphere at Plattsburgh 

was filled with particles of snow and it was uncom- 
fortable out of doors without a great-coat, while in 
Vermont " the snow fell rapidly, but melted as it 
fell." 

1830 At her home on Bellevue (now Cumberland) 

avenue, Marianne Adelaide Grellier, widow of the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 167 

late Hon. Peter Sailly, died. She was a native of 
Alsace and mother of three children : Eleanor Maria, 
Charlotte Theresa and Frederick Louis Charles Sailly. 

1848 William Gilliland, Jr. (born in 1768) died at 

Port Gilliland, originally named Janesboro. It was 
he who secured the paper giving information to the 
enemy, dropped by Col. Murray during his raid, 
while Col. Durand and Mr. Gilliland were interceding 
for the protection of the private property of citizens. 

1864 The Fouquet House, built in 181 5 by John 
Louis Fouquet and then named the Macdonough 
House, was burned. At the time and subsequently, 
many valuable historical relics were lost, among them 
the original key to Fort Ticonderoga, given to the 
proprietor by Gen. Nathaniel Lyon. This far-famed 
hostelry was of wood, painted white, its swinging 
sign, on one side adorned with a portrait (painted 
by a Mr. Stevens, a local artist) of the owner's close 
friend, the Commodore; on the other, a picture of a 
ship, From its high pillared verandas, Scott, Wool, 
Bonneville, Worth, Magruder, " Stonewall " Jackson, 
Hooker, Kearney, Ricketts and other army officers 
had looked out across the bay where Macdonough 
had vanquished the British Lion. Gen. Scott was 
an annual visitor and two children of Capt. Magruder 
(afterward a confederate general), while their-father 
was in command at the Barracks, in charge of their 
colored " mammy " had good times in the beautiful 
garden with the Httle Fouquets. 

1865 The new Fouquet House was opened to the 
public. 



l68 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 7 

New skies and blue skies — cheer heart! another day 
Lights on the changing world. Up! strive! whilst strive thou 
may. — James Buckham. 

1763 Burlington and Colchester each received its 

charter. The former township was originally 36 
square miles, measuring 10 miles in a right line along 
the Winooski river and 6 miles from north to south 
on the eastern boundary. Among the grantees of 
Colchester there were ten by the name of Burling 
and it is supposed that the name Burlington was 
given by mistake to the adjoining town on the south. 

1765 We proceeded from Crown Point to Willsboro, 

the boards having overtaken us that morning at 
Crown Point. — Gilliland. 

1775 Allen wrote to congress: " I would lay my life 

on it, that with fifteen hundred men I could take 
Montreal." 

1777 Sunday we proceeded to St. Johns, 18 miles, 

by the road on which Gen'l Gordon was killed. 

— Had den. 

1860 At " Rock Point," a large Gothic stone building, 

designed for a boys' school and seminary, was com- 
pleted and consecrated. 



Early in June, 1809, there was great excitement in 
Burlington and other towns on the lakeshore for 
was not the boat that since last year, the brothers 
Winans had been a-building under the " Oak Tree " 
at the foot of King street and which had been launched 
sideways into the water, about to make her first 
trip? John Winans, her captain, had been on board 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 169 

the Clermont when she made her first trip and had 
been deeply interested. 

The first Vermont resembled little her namesake 
of 1909. She was built without guards, with flush 
decks and no pilot house, being steered by a tiller. 
Only a smokestack showed above the deck for her 
second-hand, 20 horse-power horizontal engine, 
bought in Albany, was below. The Vermont was 
larger than the Clermont. Her length was 120 feet 
with one room about 25x18 feet, fitted with berths 
and serving also as a dining room. But she was the 
first vessel propelled by steam on Lake Champlain 




THE FIRST STEAMBOAT. 

and the second in the whole world and as such was 
a wonder. Her round trip from Whitehall to St. 
Johns consumed about a week and her appearance 
was eagerly awaited in the quiet settlements along 
the shore. 

In October, 181 5 the first Vermont had her last 
break-down near Ash Island and her owners Messrs. 
James and John Winans took out her engine and 
boilers and sold them to the Lake Champlain Steam- 
boat Company. During the war of 1 8 1 2 the Vermont 
had done good service in the transportation of govern- 
ment stores and troops. Her captain, John Winans, 
lived afterwards at Ticonderoga but was buried at 
Poughkeepsie. 



170 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 8 

1763 Milton, Vt., was chartered and contained 27,616 

acres. 

1765 William Gilliland and his colony reached the 

Boquet after a laborious and perilous journey of 
thirty days from New York. 

1777 As morning dawned on Montreal the roll of 

drums and clamor of bugles roused the sleeping 
inhabitants and called together Burgoyne's army, 
consisting of 3,724 British, 3,016 German soldiers of 
the Hne, 473 artillery men and 250 Canadians, ready 
to embark on the expedition to Fort Ticonderoga. 

1789 The first marriage in Plattsburgh, that of Peter 

Sailly and Marianne Adelaide Grielle, a native of 
Alsace who had been a friend and companion of the 
first Mrs. Sailly, was performed by Theodorus Piatt, 
J. P. 

CUPID'S BOWER. 

Am I in fairyland? or tell me, pray, 
To what love-lighted bower I've found my way? 
Such luckless wight was never more beguiled 
In woodland maze, or closely tangled wild. 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 
(Written in her fifteenth year.) 

1801 Death of Sarah Mott, daughter of Edward and 

Sarah (Kinne) Mott and ^ife of Jonas Morgan. 

JUNE 9 

1760 Rogers, after the severe engagement on the 6th, 

having retired to Isle La Motte, landed at the mouth 
of the Great Chazy river, passed around Isle Aux 
Noix, attacked and destroyed a small stockade fort 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 171 

below St. John's and rettirned to the lake with 
twenty-five prisoners. 

1765 Robert Mclane and Eliakim Ayres arrived at 

the river Boquet with the raft of boards, having been 
assisted by Moses Dickson, tailor, who joined us the 
7th instant, at Crown Point, at 40s per mo. and to be 
found. Proceeded in company with Robert Mclane 
immediately to the falls, who having carefully viewed 
their situation, gave it as his opinion, that several 
mills might be erected there with much ease and 
small expense — which opinion was afterwards found 
to be well founded. We then returned to the river's 
mouth well satisfied, and having thrown out our 
fishing seine, we hauled in 60 large fish, being mostly 
masquenonge, bass and pickerel. — Gilliland. 

1789 Clinton County government organized. Mel- 

ancton L. Woolsey administered the oath of office 
to Judge Charles Piatt, who in turn " swore in " 
Mr. Woolsey as County Clerk. 

1816 There was a heavy fall of snow and sleighing was 

good from " the city " (Saxe's Landing) to the five 
Nations (East Chazy). Seth Graves came out with 
his big covered sleigh, drawn by four horses, and with 
Rev. Mr. Byington, Deacon Wells, Deacon Ransom 
and others, reined up to Francis Chantonette's Inn, 
in grand style." — Old Chazy. 

1898 Died suddenly, at her home on Court street, 

Augusta (Wood) Cady, a charter member of Saranac 
Chapter, D. A. R. and descendant of Jonathan Wood 
of Massachusetts, the patriot who marched from Box- 
ford at the Lexington alarm in Capt. William Perley's 
company. Col. James Frye's regiment and served 
subsequently under the same command. 



172 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DEATH. 

Strange, how we think of Death, 

The angel beloved of God, 
With his face like an asphodel flower, 

And his feet with nepenthe shod; 
Strange, how we turn and flee 

When he comes by the sunset way, 
Out of the Valley of Rest, 

Down through the purpling day : 

— Buckham. 

1905 Dr. George F. Bixby, editor and owner of the 

Plattsburgh Republican, laid aside his pen. Since 
his first connection (May 24, 1873) with that his- 
toric paper, he had proved himself a worthy successor 
of a line of able writers, maintaining always a reputa- 
tion for reliability, the Historical Department es- 
pecially furnishing invaluable records of Champlain 
Valley history. Dr. Bixby was particularly interested 
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the Valley 
and its early history, spending years in studying and 
ably defending the claims of Crown Point as the site 
of Champlain's first battle with the Iroquois. Bixby's 
Grotto, Ausable Chasm, bears his name. 

JUNE 10 

1765 — proceeded with the goods towards the Falls, 

and landed them in Camp Island. Wages commenced 
this day for all, except William Luckey and Martin 
Taylor, whose wages commenced at the time of 
their separation from us on their respective employ- 
ments. — Gilliland. 

1767 J. Watson set out again for Ticonderoga, where 

he met me, and returned to Willsborough, the 15th, 
with stores, &c. — Idem. 

1775 Jonathan Lynde of Westfield, Mass., enHsted 

in the Continental Army — the first of three separate 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 173 

enlistments. He married Mollie Franklin, a niece 
of Doctor Franklin and removed to Willsboro where 
he died. His son John Lynde, born in 1788, Hved 
in Plattsburgh, was admitted to the bar in 181 2 and 
made first judge of the county in 1827, holding the 
office until his death in 1831. The Lynde home- 
stead was next to that of Judge Charles Piatt on 
Broad street (now No. 14). 

1777 Received orders to embark except the above 

1200 imder the command of brigadier-general Frazier, 
who had not then taken command of the advanced 
corps but was expected hourly. 

— Lieut. Digby's Journal. 

1784 Mr. Sailly arrived at Albany after a side trip 

into the Mohawk valley. 

1810 A " quarterly meeting ' ' was held at " Burdick 's " 

probably at Beekmantown, near the stone church. 

1878 Grading begun on Dannemora railroad. 



JUNE 11 

1765 — cleared a road to the falls from our encamp- 
ment. — Gilliland. 

1766 — put all my stores and embarked on board of 
Wm. Stoughton's schooner, and having a fair wind 
arrived this evening at Ticonderoga landing. — Idem. 

1776 In Salisbury, Conn., was born Polly, eldest 

daughter of Joseph and Phebe Ketchum. Her mar- 
riage to Nathan Averill, Jr., another pioneer from 
Connecticut, resulted in a family of six sons and 
three daughters. Inheriting the strongest New Eng- 



174 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

land traits developed by pioneer life in Champlain 
Valley, " Aunt Polly " became a marked character. 
For her, soldiers replaced the planks on the upper 
bridge over the Saranac as the enemy approached, 
that she and her children might cross. She was one 
of the original members of the Keeseville Baptist 
church founded in 1791 and, at the time of her death 
in 1862, hved in the old house under the big willows 
that was removed to make room for the present 
Baptist church of Plattsburgh. 

1777 Gen'ls Burgoyne and Reidesel (came to St. John's). 

— Hadden. 

1784 Mr. Sailly met " Mr. Gilliland who owns land 

on Lake Champlain " and they talked over the iron 
business in which Mr. Sailly had been engaged in 
France and its prospects in the Champlain Valley. 

1798 At the court house was held the last meeting of 

the proprietors of the town of Burhngton at which 
time were chosen: Gideon Ormsby, chairman; Wm. 
C. Harrington, clerk; Zacheus Peaslee (who had been 
one of the young men w^ho had attempted to pay 
their respects to Prince Edward five years before) 
treasurer; and Stephen Pearl, from whom Pearl 
street takes its name, collector. 

1814 A light brigade, under command of Gen. Smith, 

Forsyth's regiment of riflemen and two companies 
of artillery, were encamped near the mouth of Dead 
Creek. 

1818 John Palmer appointed District Attorney. He 

was a native of Hoosick but after his admission to 
the bar, removed in 181 o to Plattsburgh, to which his 
fellow-townsman, Reuben H. Walworth had come the 
preceding year. The two formed a partnership which 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 175 

continued until 1820. Mr. Palmer married Charlotte, 
the youngest daughter of Hon. Peter Sailly. They 
were the parents of the Hon. Peter Sailly Palmer, 
whose years of labor spent on the history of Lake 
Champlain, should not be forgotten. 

1867 In Burlington, was burned the old " Howard 

House," on the corner of Main and St. Paul streets, 
present site of Van Ness House. 

JUNE 12 

1765 Will. GilHland and his men continued clearing 
a road to the falls. 

1766 — embarked the next day on board the sloop 
Musquenunge, and in a passage of if hours arrived 
at Crown Point. — Gilliland. 

1777 Carlton had come to St. John's to bid his old 

comrades in arms a god-speed while Burgoyne, 
Riedesel, Acland, Fraser, Phillips, Balcarres and 
others of like bravery gathered with him around the 
social board in joyous good-fellowship previous to 
embarkation. 

JUNE 13 

1765 — cut down logs to build a dwelling house. 

— Gilliland. 

1 766 Friday arrived at Crown Point, here my disorders 
returning, I was confined by my room, often to bed 
to Saturday. — Idem. 

1777 The Standard of England was hoisted on board 

the Radeau, and saluted by the rest of the Shipping 
and Forts. * * * The Army was now advanced with 



176 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

part of the Shipping to Isle ou Noix and Point a Fer. 
The Barracks and Dock Yard at St. Johns were now- 
complete for every necessary purpose, and the Works 
in a state of defense. — Hadden. 

About one in the morning, his excellency, general 
Carlton, came up and immediately ordered the fleet 
to get under way. * * * about 9 in the evening, 
reached the shore (fort Sorrel) under the command 
of brigadier general Nesbit, lieutenant colonel of 
the 47th regiment. — 

We found the enemy had deserted their lines 
and about 10 o'clock the troops took post and lay 
all night on their arms. — Dighy. 

1813 A Battery of thirteen guns, the sole defense of 

Burlington and the U. S. army encamped there dur- 
ing the War of 181 2, repulsed an attack of three 
British gunboats. 

1908 Saturday afternoon, Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. 

celebrated Flag Day by taking an Historic Drive 
over the route taken by the two wings of the British 
army in their approach to and retreat from Platts- 
burgh during the invasion of September, 18 14. The 
route had previously been marked by flags and all 
spots of special interest were noted and examined. 



JUNE 14 

1760 Brigadier Murray sailed from Quebec with a 

veteran army of 2,450 men who had conquered under 
Wolfe, to co-operate with Amherst and Haviland. 

1765 — cut down logs to build a dwelling house. 

— Gilliland. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 177 

! 775 Wm. Hay engages 1 00 acres of land to the south- 

ward of his present lot. Nathan Nichols engages 
300 acres for himself to the southward and adjoining 
to Wm. Hay's land. Also engages all the land between 
the farms of Henry Cross and John Byantum. Henry 
Cross engages 100 acres of land for himself to the 
southward of his present lot; Wm. Gilliland reserves 
for his daughter 200 acres of land to the southward 
of Henry Cooper's lot. John Byantum has engaged 
200 acres at Monty's Chantier. — Idem. 

1801 Benedict Arnold, the traitor, died in London. 

1815 Catherine Green, widow of Caleb Green, died 

in Peru. She was a native of Bermuda. They came 
as early settlers from Nine Partners with their sons 
Henry, Rodman, John, James, and daughters, Hannah 
and Mary. The first married Robert Cochran and 
lived south of Salmon River; the other became the 
wife of Daniel Jackson, Sr. Their son, Daniel Jack- 
son, Jr., was the author of " Alonzo and Melissa," 

1894 Near Fredenburgh Falls, workmen found a 

skeleton, supposed from its location to be that of 
Count de Fredenburgh from whom the Falls received 
its name. De Fredenburgh, coming here during the 
Revolution to look after his property, mysteriously 
disappeared while his house and mill were destroyed 
by fire. 

JUNE 15 

1765 Operations had by this time been commenced 

by Wm. Gilliland 's colony for opening a road to the 
falls (of the Bouquet), ground had been cleared, logs 
cut and the erection of a house, 44 feet by 22 feet, 
begun. This, the first dwelling built by civilized 



178 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

man between Crown Point and the line of Canada, 
was occupied by Burgoyne's troops at the time of 
the invasion. 

1777 The Loyal Convert, Washington and Lee Cutter 

took out their Guns and were laden with Artillery, 
Stores and Provisions, it being known the Enemy 
had no Fleet sufficient to oppose us; — This day 
Gen'ls Burgoyne & Reidesil set off for the Army. 

— Hadden. 

1837 Governor-General, Lord Gosford, because of the 
assembly at St. Ours, issued a proclamation against 
seditious meetings and ordered magistrates and 
militia officers to prevent them from being held or 
disperse them when held. 

1838 The date of the completion by contract of the 
Cumberland Head lighthouse, built by Peter Com- 
stock according to his bid of $3,325. The old build- 
ing was separated from the dwelling and stood nearer 
the shore. The first keeper of the new light was 
" Deacon " Samuel Emery whose posey-loving house- 
keeper turned the government grounds into one 
vast flower garden. 



JUNE 16 

1646 Departure of Father Jogues and his party from 

Oneugiowre (Caughnawaga) the first castle of the 
Mohawks, whither they had gone after their visit 
to Fort Orange. Presents had been exchanged and 
the French had received every assurance of future 
welcome. 

1776 — this day John McElrea, Israel Dibble and 

Martin Dudley arrived at Willsborough, the former 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 179 

commenced this day week at ;^i8 p ann., and the 2 
latter this day at 45s p mo.—Gilliland 

1777 Burgoyne's army encamped on Cumberland 

Head and his fleet was anchored in the bay. 

Here a scene of indescribable sublimity burst upon us 
Before us lay the waters of Lake Champlain, a sheet of un- 
ruffled glass, stretching away some ninety miles to the south 
widenmg and straitening as rocks and cliflFs projected in the 
most fantastic shapes into its channel. On each side is a thick 
and unmhabited wilderness, now rising up into mountains, now 
falhng mto glens, while a noble background is presented toward 
the east by the Green Mountains, whose summits appear even 
to pierce the clouds. On the west mountains still more gigantic 
in loftmess, pride and dignity. I cannot by any powers of lan- 
guage do justice to such a scene. 

R. G. Gleig, a member of Gen. Eraser's staff. 

1785 The legal birthday of Pittsburgh when the 

first town meeting was held at the house of Jud<ye 
Charles Piatt, brother of Judge Zephaniah Platl 
The first officers then elected were Charles Piatt 
supervisor, and Zaccheus Newcomb, Nathaniel Piatt 
Rogers, commissioners of highways, who very soon 
laid out several pubHc highways which remain the 
prmcipal roads to this day. 

Zepha Piatt Graham "assisted Squire Freligh 
fill up Deeds for land sold." 

1909 Workmen, employed in excavating an under- 

ground room at the north end of the West Barracks 
at Fort Ticonderoga, uncovered one of the old gar- 
rison wells. This one, rectangular in shape, fifteen 
feet deep and cut in solid rock, was fed by roof 
drainage and the inlets and outlets are intact. 



l8o Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 17 

1775 Birth of Jonathan Griffin, who settled in Platts- 
burgh where, in May, 1802, with Silas Hubbell he 
was admitted to the Clinton county bar. His home 
(now 17 Broad street), became the home of his 
daughter, Delia A. and her husband, Hiram Wal- 
worth, Sr. At the siege of Plattsburgh, both his 
store and dwelling house were burned by hot shot 
from the forts. He was prominent in town affairs 
until his death July 25, 1841. 

1776 At St. Johns the retreating Americans, after 
burning the fortifications, embarked for Isle aux 
Noix, the last man to leave being Arnold who, with 
the enemy already in sight, shot his horse in the 
head and pushed off. 

1784 Mr. Sailly at noon reached Fort George and 

sending back their wagon, prepared to embark. 



1785 Zepha Piatt Graham " ran " a number of lots 

which had been sold (Nos. i, 78, 79). 

1814 The troops at Dead Creek advanced as far as 

Chazy. 

1862 In Virginia, occurred the death of Capt. Darius 

A. Parsons of the 96th N. Y. V. He was a lawyer 
by profession and left a widow (who survived until 
August, 1909) and two young children. His parents 
were Capt. David R. and LiUis M. (Mason) Parsons 
of Beekmantown; his grand-parents, David Parsons, 
pioneer from Long Island and Aaron Mason, an 
early settler at West Plattsburgh. The remains of 
Capt. Parsons were the first brought to the home 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley l8l 

town and his funeral is said by an eye-witness, to 
have been the largest within memory. 

1890 Hotel Champlain formally opened. 

1909 On Monday, the Bennington battle monument 

was first lighted by electricity. Previous to this 
the use of lanterns was necessary in making the 
ascent. 

JUNE 18 

1609 Champlain left Quebec on board a pinnace 

accompanied by a small party of followers, and 
ascended the St. Lawrence as far as the mouth of 
the Richelieu, passed up that stream to the foot 
of the rapids near Chambly. During the winter he 
had learned from some Indians who had visited his 
encampment, that they intended an inroad into 
the country of their enemy in the course of the 
approaching summer and he had determined to 
accompany them, and by that means, not only 
explore a river and large lake through which the 
war party would pass, but by his powerful assistance 
strengthen the friendship which then existed between 
French and the neighboring Indians. At Chambly 
a war party of sixty Algonquins and Hurons joined 
him, and commenced preparations for the incursion. 

— Palmer's History. 

1776 At Isle aux Noix, their last foothold in Canada, 

were gathered 8,ooo officers and men, " the remnant 
of as fine an army as ever marched into Canada." 
Crowded together, half the number sick with small 
pox, their only food, raw pork, often rancid, un- 
bolted flour and for drinking water only the unwhole- 
some water from the lake, they spent eight days of 
misery. 



i82 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1777 The head of the column of Burgoyne's army 

reached the left bank of Bouquet, having performed 
the march of ninety miles in ten days. 

Wednesday, We proceeded to the River LaCole, 
9 miles. — Hadden. 

1784 Sunday, Mr. Sailly caught two fish of fine flavor 
called by the English "blackfish." He also visited 
the ruins of Fort William Henry seeing only the 
remains of the old ramparts of earth covered with 
wild cherry trees, the fruit smaller and more tart 
than those at home and some " very small birds 
resembling in every particular the little thrush of 
France." 

1785 Zepha Piatt Graham " helpt Raise the flews of 
the Grist Mill." 

1812 Charles Theodorus Piatt, son of Judge Theodorus 

Piatt, w^as appointed a midshipman, U. S. N. and 
in accordance with the general orders of this date 
the 8th Regiment, New York Detached Militia was 
raised in the counties of Clinton and Essex for the 
service of the United States. The 8th was commanded 
by Lieut. Col. Thos. Miller of Plattsburgh. Staff 
officers: Melancton Smith of Plattsburgh, ist Major; 
Ransom Noble, of Essex, 2d Major; Levi Piatt of 
Plattsburgh, Adjutant; Richard S. Mooers, of Platts- 
burgh, Quartermaster; John Palmer of Plattsburgh, 
Paymaster; Benjamin J. Mooers, of Plattsburgh, 
Surgeon; Henry Waterhouse, of Plattsburgh, Sur- 
geon's Mate; Frederick Halsey, of Plattsburgh, 
Chaplain; Jeremiah Graves, of Plattsburgh, Sergeant 
Major. 

1845 At Crown Point died Judith Livingston, wife 

of Allen Breed, who settled there in 1808 or 1809. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 183 

She was the mother of nine children, Allen, Lucena, 
Foster, Melinda, Charlotte, Tryphena, William, 
Amanda, and Benjamin. Her father, Isaac Living- 
ston, a Revolutionary soldier of N. H., died at Crown 
Point. 

JUNE 19 

1776 The days (at Isle Aux Noix) were intensely hot 
with heavy dews at night and a camp disorder broke 
out, from which from 20 to 60 in a regiment succumbed 
each day. 

1777 Early this morning we sailed with a very fair 
wind, passed Point au Fer where a Post of 4 Com- 
panies was again established for a Depot, (9 Miles) 
we passed Isle au Mot, and I made a sketch of a 
Range of Moimtains, seen from that part of the Lake. 
We also passed the Army encamped on Cummerland 
head; passed Valcour Island, Point au Sable, Schuy- 
ler's Island and some other small Islands called the 
four Brothers, and in the afternoon came to an 
anchor at Bouquet Ferry where the Elite of the 
Army under Brig'r Gen'l Frazer had taken post. 

— Hadden. 

1785 Zepha Piatt Graham spent " mapping and 

Dividing Cumberland head." 

1789 Plattsburgh — began at a stake marked on the 

E. & S. sides standing by a butnut stump in the 
south line of Charles Platts' land. Busy surveying 
till July 4, 1789. — Captain Piatt Roger s field notes. 

1818 Companies of the Sixth regiment of U. S. regu- 

lars, stationed at Plattsburgh Barracks, detached 
to work on Fort Montgomery at Island Point, a 
small sand island between Rouse's Point and Pro- 
vince Point, 



184 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 20 

1776 " At noon, Thursday, they began to move the 
sick to Crown Point in shallow boats, hastily con- 
structed in the spring and now leaky and without 
awnings. This weary suffering journey from Isle aux 
Noix to Crown Point occupied five days and nights." 
A portion of the troops crossed the site of the present 
town of Champlain, fording its stream. Among the 
troops was a drummer boy of seventeen, Pliny 
Moore, who, attracted by the advantages of the 
location, resolved, when peace should be restored, 
to settle there, which plan he was later able to carry 
out, becoming the first American pioneer and set- 
tler of Champlain. 

1777 Gen'l Burgoyne came up in the Maria. This 
day I visited a detached post of the light infantry, 
two Miles up the River at Galinels (Gilliland's) Farm, 
this is situate at the foot of a small Water Fall, where 
a great number of small Salmon were caught. The 
River is not above 150 yards wide, the Troops at 
this and the main post of this Corps on the edge 
of the Lake, were encamped on separate sides of 
the Bouquet River. I did not learn from what 
cause this upper Post was taken, but the mouth of 
this River is sometimes called Bouquet Ferry, pos- 
sibly the above Farm may have communication with 
the Country & a Ferry across the Lake has been 
formerly kept here. The soil tho. sandy seems fer- 
tile. It may not be improper to remark that there 
are but few settlements on the Lake (not 20) and 
those only single Houses. — Hadden. 

Burgoyne had summoned the Indians tribes to 
meet him at the falls of the Bouquet. They obeyed 
his call in numbers that startled his humanity and 
appalled his judgment. — he assembled the chiefs 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 185 

in a redoubt, which he caused to be constructed 
about half a mile below the mansion of Gilliland. 
There Burgoyne addressed them, and claimed their 
services to the British Idng.—Watson's Champlain 
Valley. 

1785 Zepha Piatt Graham "made a New Map of 

Cumberland head." 

1909 Sunday night, all the wooden parts of the half- 

century-old stone Hne store between Mooers and 
Hemingford was burned, with the stock of goods. 

JUNE 21 

1759 Amherst reached the head of Lake George with 

an army of 6,000 men, where he remained a month 
waitmg for the remainder of the troops to come up. 

1766 —left Crown Point and the wind being favorable 

arrived the evening of this day, pretty late at George 
Belten's, where we staid all night. Whilst at Crown 
Point I accidentally met with Wm. Lucky, who I 
had taken on my warrant for debt and brought him 
prisoner to Willsborough (Robt. McAuley, constable), 
when after reflecting how much he was in my power 
he agreed to serve me for the amount of his debt 
and commenced in my employ on the — June, 1766, 
at 45s per mo. or ;^2 5 per annum being — days after 
I arrived here. — Gilliland. 

1777 The Gun Boats joined the rest of the Fleet at 

Spht Rock (6 miles) .—Hadden. 

1859 ^ Abram Miller, a Ruling Elder of the First Presby- 

terian church, where a memorial window perpetuates 



l86 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley. 

his memory, entered the church triumphant. He 
was a son of Sylvanus S. and Fanny (Miller) Miller, 
pioneers in 1806 from East Hampton, L. I, They 
chose a farm on the State road, three miles from the 
present city of Plattsburgh, in preference to the 
" Boynton farm " which was offered them, because 
the latter had only a log house and some of the land 
was under water. Besides, the future business center 
seemed likely to be Cumberland Head. 

JUNE 22 

1766 Sunday, proceeded on our journey, and arrived 

in Milltown in Willsboro. Miss Eliza Gilliland my 
spouse being the first lady of our family that landed 
in Willsborough, — about i o'clock this day, I WiUiam 
GilHland, with my wife, Mrs. Eliza Gilliland, my 
mother Mrs. Jane Gilliland, my sister Miss Charity 
GilHland, my brother, Mr. James Gilliland, my 
daughter. Miss Eliza Gilliland, my niece Miss EHza 
Hamilton, my servant girl Rachel McFardin, and 
my negro man Ireland, all arrived at Milltown, in 
Willsborough, with 2 Bateau loads of stores, having 
left New York with 22 wagon loads of stores, furni- 
ture, &c., on the 28th of April last. — Gilliland. 

1776 Melancton Smith was appointed captain com- 

mandant of three companies of militia raised in 
Dutchess county and Westchester, and the next 
year was placed on commission to " prevent and 
subdue insurrections . and dissatisfaction in those 
counties," the same year being appointed the first 
sheriff of Dutchess county, holding the office four 
years. 

1785 On Monday, the frame of the saw-mill planned 

by twelve of the associates was raised on the west 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 187 

side of the Saranac and as the last pin was driven 
home, Cornelius Haight, one of the workmen, pro- 
claimed the mill " the glory of the Saranac." 

See that majestic river wind its way, 
Mingling its waters in yon noble bay! 
— Margaret M. Davidson. 

JUNE 23 

1760 Maj, Rogers reached Crown Point with 25 

prisoners. 

1766 — from this time I continued in an indifferent 

state of health, sometimes better, sometimes worse 
to Aug. — . Employed my hands, some making a 
fence round the garden, some going to Crown Point 
for prova, some enclosing a yard in front of the house, 
one 'tother side of the trough, making a bum proof, 
&c., &c. — Gilliland. 

1777 The Fleet wrapt up to Otter Creek (3 miles) on 

the Western shore of the Lake. This Creek is here 
about 100 y'ds wide, and runs up the Country more 
than a hundred and fifty Miles toward New England. 

— Hadden. 

1785 Tuesday, Zepha Piatt Graham " draw'd for the 

Township of Plattsburgh and Point O'Rush." 

1891 Plattsburgh State Normal School held its first 

commencement exercises in the M. E. church. 

1909 Contract awarded for the completion of Cham- 

plain Valley Hospital and announcement made of 
the gift of $2,500 from Hon. W. C. and Mrs. Wither- 
bee for a bed in memory of their son Gauthier; also, 
the same sum from Hon. Smith M. Weed. 



l88 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JUNE 24 

1762 Charlotte, Vt. was chartered and the first 

attempt to settle the town was made in March, 1776 
by Derick Webb who soon left to return again for a 
short time the next year. In 1784, in company with 
Elijah Woolcut and others he succeeded in effecting 
a permanent settlement. John McNeil, lately from 
Bennington was the first town clerk and representa- 
tive to the Legislature. In 1790 he located on the 
lakeshore and established " McNeil's ferry " from 
that point to Essex. 

1775 Arnold resigned his commission and Col. Hinman 
with a thousand men took possession of Ti. 

1776 A scouting party, composed chiefly of Indians 
fell upon a small party of the 6th Penn. reg't while 
" fishing and diverting themselves " and killed and 
scalped four while six were taken prisoners. A rescue 
party from the American camp interred the bodies 
of their murdered comrades at Isle aux Noix, erecting 
a rude stone bearing this inscription : 

" Beneath this humble sod He Captain Adams, Lieutenant 
Culbertson, and two Privates of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment. Not hirelings but Patriots. They fell not in battle but 
unarmed. They were basely murdered and inhumanly scalped 
by the barbarous emissaries of the once just, but now aban- 
doned — kingdom of Britain.' 

1777 Tuesday, a large detachment of Savages and 
Rangers (i.e., British Marksmen) were sent up Otter 
Creek to bring in Forage. The Fleet proceeded to 
Crown Point (cibout 20 miles) where we came to an 
Anchor. — Hadden. 

1814 Lieut.-Col. Forsyth with 70 of his riflemen 

penetrated Canada as far as Odletown where he was 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 189 

attacked by a detachment of 250 British light troops. 
He returned to Champlain with the loss of one killed 
and five wounded. A few days later he was ordered 
forward again for the same purpose when, as his 
men retreated closely pursued by 150 Canadians 
and Indians, he was shot down by an Indian. For- 
syth's riflemen instantly fired upon the enemy who 
now retreated leaving 17 dead upon the field. 

1908 In Burlington, died Miss Sarah C. Hagar, who 
had faithfully and ably performed the duties of 
librarian in its Public Library since her appointment 
in 1885. 

1909 Hotel Fort William Henry at Caldwell on Lake 
George was completely destroyed by fire at three 
o'clock in the morning on this — the day scheduled 
for its formal opening. The loss will reach half a 
million. 



JUNE 25 

1777 Gen'l Frazer came up with his Brigade and, 

encamp'd at Crown Point. — Hadden. 

1785 The saw-mill erected on the West bank of the 

Saranac, between what is now Durkee street and the 
river, was leased to Jonas Allen as soon as finished. 
It was 32x40 feet. The forge was put in charge of 
Joseph Ketchum, the ore being brought from a 
place about two and a half miles north of Port Henry. 

1808 The revenue cutter was stolen from imder the 

eyes of the government officers who were guarding 
Windmill Point. Judge Hicks, deputy of Champlain, 
was waylaid while in the performance of his duties 
and told to prepare for death. A large bateau called 



I^O Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the Black Snake with a crew of desperate men 
engaged in smuggling, gave a great deal of trouble. 

1809 " A quarterly meeting pro tempore " was held 

at Plattsburgh at Townsend Addams'. 

1849 At the Phoenix Hotel in Plattsburgh, a White- 

hall and Plattsburgh railroad meeting was held, of 
which William Swetland was chairman, and Ahaz 
Hayes, of Ausable, secretary. Benjamin Ketchum, 
Col. McNiel, and others discussed the question and 
a committee was appointed to correspond with 
other town committees to the southward. All hope 
of a bridge across to Grand Isle and Burlington had 
been given up and eyes were now turned in the 
direction of Whitehall. 



JUNE 26 

1777 Gen'ls Burgoyne, Phillips and Reidesel came up 

with the army. * * * Thursday — upon the arrival of 
the rest of the Army Gen'l Frazer's Corps moved 
towards Tyconderoga and landing at Putnam Creek, 
7 miles higher up on the Western side were joined 
by the Savages &c., who went up Otter Creek and 
made this Tour under Captain Frazer. — Hadden. 

1812 You will proceed with the military stores and 

articles direct to Whitehall on Lake Champlain, 
from whence you will transport them, together with 
the cannon ball belonging to the State, lying at 
Whitehall, to Plattsburgh and Essex arsenals. If 
an immediate conveyance by water cannot be ob- 
tained, you will proceed by land with the articles for 
Plattsburgh through Vermont to Burlington, and 
from thence send for Gun Boats and other vessels 
from Plattsburgh, or employ them at Burlington, 
to transport the articles to Plattsburgh, and from 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 191 

the proper point on Vermont shore send across 
those for EHzabethtown, Essex county. 

Orders of Gov. Tompkins from Albany, to Maj. 
John Mills, Washington coimty. 

JUNE 27 

1777 Americans held Crown Point (old French Fort 

Frederick) until Burgoyne with 7,000 troops invested 
it, when the Americans abandoned it and retired to 
Ticonderoga. At Crown Point the invading army 
remained eight days enjoying the evening parties 
given by the Baroness Reidesel, Lady Harriet 
Achland and other ladies, who accompanied the 
army. 

1814 Smith's brigade, fourteen hundred strong, oc- 
cupied Champlain while Col. Pierce of the 13th was 
at Chazy with 800 men and about 1,200 men oc- 
cupied the works at Cumberland Head at Dead 
Creek. Macdonough's fleet lay at anchor in King's 
Bay while the British held LaColle with a force of 
3,600 and had strong garrisons at Isle aux Noix and 
St. Johns and forces at L'Acadie and Chambly. 

JUNE 28 

Oh say not the wide world is lonely and dreary! 

Oh say not that life is a wilderness waste! 
There's ever some comfort in store for the weary, 

And there's ever some hope for the sorrowful heart. 
— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 

(Written in her sixteenth year.) 

1815 At White Hall on Lake Champlain the sloops 
President, Montgomery, Preble, Chub, Finch, and 
ten gun boats, also, the boats, cutters, etc., belonging 
to the squadron on said lake offered by Geo. Beale, 



192 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Jun. at Public Sale by the authority of the Honorable, 

the Secretary of the Navy. 

1825 General Lafayette and his suite, having par- 

ticipated on the 17 th inst. in the celebration at 
Boston of the battle of Bunker Hill, entered the 
State of Vermont at Windsor where he was met by 
the Governor's staff, and welcomed by addresses 
and enthusiastic Revolutionary soldiers of the section. 
At Windsor, Woodstock, Royalton, Randolph, Mont- 
pelier, and Burlington large crowds assembled to do 
him honor. 

1896 The first car of the Plattsburgh trolley system 

passed over the line to Bluff Point. 

1909 Hotel Champlain opened for the season. 



JUNE 29 

Oh June! how resplendent thy flowers shall appear, 
The loveliest, the sweetest which bloom in the year: 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1812 Capt. Sanford of Wilmington, then Jay, was 

selected "as an officer of approved merit and capac- 
ity " to command a company in the 8th regiment, 
detached militia, which served six months on the 
Canadian frontier at Chateaugay and French Mills. 

1825 In the afternoon the corner stone of South Col- 

lege of the University of Vermont, was laid by 
General LaFayette, and in the evening a brilliant 
reception was given in honor of the General by Gov. 
Van Ness at his home on Main street, then considered 
the most elegant private residence in Burlington. 
The place is now known as " Grass Mount," a name 
bestowed by Mr. Heman Allen during his ownership. 




FROM PORTRAIT BY TRUMBULL NOW LN CAPITOL AT ALBANY 
JUDGE JONAS PLATT 
1769-1834 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



193 



It was originally built by Capt. Thaddeus Tuttle, 
a prominent merchant in 1804. In 1895 the Uni- 
versity purchased the property, and it has since been 
used as a girls' dormitory. 

JUNE 30 

" How beautiful is Nature!" Every soul, 
Beating with warm and gentle feeling, 
Must repeat with me these heartfelt words, 

" How beautiful is Nature!" 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1769 Jonas Piatt, second son of Judge Zephaniah 

Piatt and Mary VanWyck, was born in Poughkeepsie. 
His preparatory studies were taken at a French 
Academy in Montreal and his legal training was 
under Richard Varick of New York. Soon after his 
admission to the bar, in 1790, he married Helen 
Livingston, the youngest daughter of his fellow- 
townsman Henry Livingston. The active Hfe of 
Judge Piatt was spent in the Mohawk valley where 
he held many high offices, including that of Judge 
of the Supreme Court. He was also General of 
Cavah-y in the State militia. After the loss of his 
judicial position through the amended provisions of 
the State Constitution, he opened a law office with 
his oldest sun, Zephaniah, at Utica. In three or 
four years, he returned to the practice of his pro- 
fession in New York but advancing years led him to 
retire in 1829, to his farm in Peru, seven miles from 
Plattsburgh, where he spent his remaining days. 

1777 B. Gen'l Frazer's Brigade moved forward and 

disembarked on a point of Land on the Western 
Shore Three Miles from Tyconderoga from which 
circumstance 'tis called Three Mile Point. The Army 
Received Provisions to the 8th July inclusive. G. O. 



194 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

The Army embarks tomorrow, to approach the 
Enemy. — Hadden. 

1794 Francis Culver, Jr. was born. On the day of the 

British advance, the Culver family were at home. 
Gen. Wool fell back to Culver hill and the enemy 
followed closely. On the brow of the hill Col. Welling- 
ton was killed and his remains hastily buried on the 
side hill on the Culver farm. Partridge of the Essex 
county militia was killed just south of their barn. 
In 1 815, the year after the battle, the present house 
was built and October 10, his wedding day, Francis 
Jr. received from his father the large family Bible. 

1873 Plattsburgh's town clock struck the hours for 

the first time. It was manufactured by Howard & 
Company of Boston, and paid for by subscriptions 
varying from $100, (Messrs. Loring Ellis, A. Williams, 
S. F, Vilas, S. P. Bowen, and E. S. Winslow con- 
tributing that amount) to smaller subscriptions 
ranging from $25 to $2.00. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 195 



JULY I 

July and August are almost windless months. You must 
listen closely for your pneumatic news-bringer then, save when 
stormbreeding heats goad him to fury. He has little news now, 
save to whisper across your open casement that all is well with 
the fruitbearing earth. — James Buckhant. 

1609 On the first we reached St. Croix, 15 leagues 

from Quebec, with a shallop equipped with all I 
needed. — Samuel Champlain. 

Brouage, abt. 1567 — Quebec, Dec. 25, 1635. 

1758 Engagement at South Bay between Capt. Israel 

Putnam with only 68 men and 300 to 400 French 
and Indians before which superior force Putnam was 
obliged to retreat. — Journal of Rufiis Putnam. 

John de Rogers, only son of Eunice Williams, 
was killed in this campaign. 

1781 J. Sherwood writes from Dutchman's Farm to 

Capt. Matthews with reference to the location and 
erection of the Block House (afterwards known as 
the Loyal Block House). He states that there are 
with him "23 men including old men, Boys, and 
unincorporated Loyalists." — Canadian Archives. 

1784 Judge Zephaniah Piatt started from Pough- 

keepsie and went to Plattsburgh, 

Oh! dear pleasant home, must I bid you adieu, 
And all the loved objects so dear to my heart? 

— Mrs. Margaret {Miller) Davidson. 

1848 Chancellor Walworth closed his judicial labors, 

leaving, of all the numerous cases argued before him 
and submitted to him for decision, but eight undecided. 

" Never perhaps, were so many decisions made where so 
few were inaccurate as to facts, or erroneous as to law. If it was 



ig6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

destined that the Court of Chancery should fall under a reform 
which apparently designs to obliterate the history as well as the 
legal systems of the past, it is a consolation to reflect that it fell 
without imputation on its purity or usefulness, and that no court 
was ever under the guidance of a judge purer in character or more 
gifted in talent than the last Chancellor of New York." 

— Prof. Dane of Harvard. 

1890 Incorporation of Plattsburgh Land Company 

and shortly afterwards the laying out of streets 
named Palmer, Lynde and Stetson, thus preserving 
the names of three old and allied families. 

1904 Ray Brook State Hospital for the Treatment of 

Incipient Pulmonary Tuberculosis opened. 

JULY 2 

1609 I left these rapids of the Iroquois River. All 

the savages began to carry their canoes, arms and 
baggage by land about half a league, in order to get 
by the swiftness and force of the rapids. — Then they 
put them all in the w^ater. — Champlain. 

1749 Arrival at Fort St. Frederic of Prof. Peter Kalm, 

the Swedish traveller, who had recently had a narrow 
escape from a band of Indians. The French com- 
mandant, M. Lusignan, received him cordially and 
Kalm had a chance to examine the fort and the com- 
fortable homes of retired soldiers, which had sprung 
up around it. He found the vegetation withered or 
greatly retarded in growth by a severe drouth, as 
no rain had fallen since spring. 

1758 I went on a guard to escort Teams to the Lake. — 

— Rufus Putnam. 

Sutton, Mass., 1738 — Marietta, Ohio, 1824. 

The same day, Francis Culver, Sr., was bom in 
Connecticut. He bought a farm of 400 acres, includ- 
ing the present Culver hill. The first homestead 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley ' 197 

Stood some rods south of the present structure on 
the brow of the hill, for which the stone was already 
hauled at the time of the British invasion. 

1777 Burgoyne with his troops reached the top of a 

ridge two miles west of the fort and called it Mount 
Hope, because he hoped to capture Carillon soon. 
At Crown Point, "for something more than a week " 
the greater part of the army enjoyed social enter- 
tainments and evening parties given by the Baroness 
Riedesel, Lady Harriet Ackland and others in their 
marquees. 

1813 Far from his own family, Capt. John Schenck, 

aged 29, died in his country's service and was buried 
on Cumberland Head. He, no doubt, belonged to 
the troops stationed at the fortification, which Gen. 
Woolsey, Major Addams, and other military exempts 
helped to throw up. 

1906 The corner-stone of the City Hospital (name 

afterwards changed to Champlain Valley Hospital) 
was laid by Hon. Francis Lynde Stetson and Mrs. 
S. B. Watkins with appropriate ceremonies. Hon. 
J. B. Riley presided. 

1909 Burning, in the early morning, of the Ruis- 

seaumont at Lake Placid, the twenty-five guests 
escaping with difficulty. At 9 o'clock, the cavalry 
troops from Fort Ethan Allen, at Willsboro broke 
camp and marched 10 miles to Keeseville where they 
had dinner, reaching Pittsburgh late in the after- 
noon. 

JULY 3 

1609 I left St. Croix — with all the savages, and we 

passed Trois Rivieres, which is a very beautiful 
country, covered with a great many beautiful trees. 

— Champlain. 



198 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1 756 Rogers the Ranger arrived at South Bay. 

1776 The troops which had marched to Point au Per, 
now fortified by order of General Sullivan, arrived 
at Crown Point with the baggage from Isle aux Noix. 
Gen. Gates at once commenced the building of his 
fleet, while the settlers of Addison worked with zeal 
in getting out timber and other material. 

1777 — During the day they killed a few of our men, 
and some balls went through our tents, their ground 
commanding ours. — Dighy. 

On the same day Phoebe Moore, daughter of 
Capt. Samuel and Rachel (Landon) Moore of SaUs- 
bury. Conn., was married to Joseph Ketchum of 
Oblong, Dutchess county. They lived at Red Hook 
or Nine Partners and afterwards at Plattsburgh 
(Peru). 

1798 Dear Father: — I arrived here about a fortnight ago and 

found all friends well. We brought on all our things. We began 
at Peru last week, and have made a small beginning. I find 
laborers are not to be had for either love or money. We have 
made our head-quarters at Roberts, and his wife cooks and 
washes for us. Brother Pitt let me have a cow which supplies us 
with milk and butter. The transportation of our things took all 
the money I had, and it is impossible to get any here. I can't 
find anybody to chop by the job for less than five dollars per acre, 
and I have not agreed with any yet. 

I remain your ever dutiful son, 

Robert Piatt. 

1813 Date of following entry in War Journal of 

Eleazer Williams, commanding Secret Corps of 
Observation, for which service he received from the 
United States $10,000 but which, through lack of 
financial ability, he would have lost, had it not been 
" for the friendly exertions of Chancellor Kent, Gov. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 199 

Taylor, the Hon. Nathan Williams, and Morris S. 
Miller, of Utica." 

"Plattsburgh, — A heavy cannonading is heard from the 
north about 10 o'clock this morning. Lieut. Sidney Smith, 
with two armed schooners (the Growler and Eagle), went yester- 
day to the lines — he is undoubtedly attacked." 



JULY 4 

1609 The next day we entered the lake, which is of 

great extent, perhaps 50 or 60 leagues long. There 
I saw four beautiful islands (Isle la Motte, Long 
Island, Grand Isle, and Valcour) which formerly had 
been inhabited by savages. — Champlain. 

The lake is calm, the sun is low, 
The whippoorwill is chaunting slow. 
******* 
But hark! approaching paddles break 
The stillness of that azure lake! 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1756 Rogers and his fifty men in five whale boats 

passed by Ticonderoga and Crown Point imdis- 
covered and concealed their boats about ten miles 
distant from the latter place. 

1777 Burgoyne with cannon chained to the rocks and 

troops in readiness on the summit of Sugar Loaf 
changes the name to Mount Defiance, 

1789 Rained the night past and the fore noon. After- 

noon sat out and began surveying again. Rainy, 
put up and built a hut. 5 rained till 10 o'clock and 
then set out and continued our course. 

— Piatt Rogers' field notes. 

1826 In the Presbyterian church, Chazy, in celebra- 

tion of Independence Day, the Declaration of Inde- 



20O Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

pendence was read by Bela Edgerton, a brother of 
Fillmon. Bela Edgerton was Member of Assembly 
in 1827, '28 and '29. 




HON. BHLA EDGERTON 
1788-1874 



1873 In Green Mount Cemetery, Burlington, was 

unveiled the spirited statue of Ethan Allen, the 
leader of the Green Mountain Boys. The statue, 
eight feet in height, modelled by Peter Stephenson 
and cut in Carrara, Italy, is mounted on a Tuscan 
shaft forty-two feet high and overlooks a view of 
mountains and river- valley unsurpassed. 

1895 Tablet, placed by Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. 

upon the Gen. Benj. Mooers house, unveiled with 
appropriate exercises. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 20I 

1906 Black Watch Memorial Tablet, in memory of the 
bravery of that famous highland regiment in 1758, 
unveiled in Black Watch Memorial Library at Ticon- 
deroga by Major D. L. Wilson Farquarson of Scot- 
land, senior major of the regiment, and a detach- 
ment ot the 5th Royal Scots of Montreal. 

1907 At Champlain, N. Y., was unveiled the only 
monument in the United States in honor of the great 
French explorer and discoverer of the lake which 
bears his name — Champlain, 

1909 Sunday, throughout the Champlain Valley was 

celebrated with appropriate religious services the 
Tercentenary of the discovery of this incomparable 
lake. At the First Presbyterian church, Plattsburgh, 
the pioneer church of Northern New York, Saranac 
Chapter, D. A. R., and visiting daughters, with the 
Nathan Beman Society, C. A. R., attended the ser- 
vice in a body. The pastor, the Rev. John Bailey 
Kelly, preached from the text Psalm 90:16 on the 
subject " Three Centuries of Divine Providence in 
Champlain Valley. ' ' Bishop Nelson of Albany delivered 
the sermon at Trinity Episcopal church, the first 
church of that faith in this region; while, at Cliff 
Haven, under the blue canopy of heaven, in a " forest 
cathedral " Pontifical High Mass was celebrated, 
His Eminence, Cardinal Gibbons, honoring the 
occasion by his presence. The altar with its fur- 
nishings, was built entirely of white birch against 
a background of native cedars. On Isle La Motte, 
also. High Mass was celebrated in the open air chapel, 
erected at the shrine of St. Anne, built 1666. Thus, 
with prayer and thanksgiving on a beautiful Sabbath 
day, was inaugurated the tercentenary celebration. 
In the evening. Governor and Mrs. Hughes 
arrived at Hotel Champlain from their camp at 
Saranac Inn in anticipation of Monday's celebration. 



202 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



JULY 5 

1758 Abercrombie with his whole army reached Sab- 

bath-day Point, and landed there to rest and refresh. 

1777 St. Clair evacuates Carillon and retreats to 

Mount Independence, pursued by Burgoyne to 
Skeenesborough. Daniel Wright from Gilsum, N. H., 
who settled in Westport between 1791 and 1798 was 
in this fleeing army and Maj. Asa Douglas, Jr., 
brother of Nathaniel and Capt. John who were 
pioneers of Chazy, was obliged to flee from his farm 
at Canaan, N. Y., where he raised large numbers of 
horses, and, on the aproach of Burgoyne's army, 
secreted himself in the forest for several weeks as a 
reward had been offered for his apprehension. 

1815 The Rev. Nathaniel Hewitt, D.D., a graduate 

of Yale in 1808 and Hcensed by the New London 
Congregational Association in September, 181 1, was 
ordained pastor of the first Presbyterian Church by 
the Presbytery of Champlain. During his pastorate 
of two years the house of worship whose foundations 
were laid under Pastor Weeks in 181 2, was finished 
and dedicated. 

" No man in our country did more to brand indelibly with 
stigma of merited disgrace the traffic in ardent spirits and their use 
as a beverage, than Nathaniel Hewitt, the Apostle of Temperance." 

1909 Crown Point was the principal place of interest. 

Here guarded by the ramparts stand 

The walls which in their pride 
The summer's heat, the winds that beat — 

A century have defied; 
Now silence falls upon these walls 

Where Amherst's forces centered 
From which they went on capture bent 

When Canada they entered. 

— Mrs. Palmer. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 203 

Gov. and Mrs. Hughes with the Governor's 
mihtary secretary, were taken on the yacht Valcour 
belonging to Hon. Joseph Sibley, from Bluff Point 
to Port Henry. Here, the party with the speakers 
of the day and members of the commission were 
entertained at luncheon by Hon. W. C. Witherbee. 
Later, the party crossed to the Point where crowds 
awaited the opening of the exercises. 

The noontide heat around us beat 
As on the sands we moored our fleet, 

The scorching sands rose up to meet 
And drown our weary feet. 



As we advance out darts the lance 

From wary thorn-plum trees 
Which stout woodbine did over-twine 

And hide beneath her leaves; 

— Mrs. Palmer. 

Hon. Seth Low of New York was the principal 
speaker, following the incisive opening address of 
the Governor. Judge A. C. Barnes of Chicago, a 
native of Chimney Point opposite, well fitted by his 
knowledge of local history and legal training, made 
an able defence of Crow^n Point as the probable site 
of Champlain 's first battle with the Iroquois. The 
Indian Pageant was here first enacted in the Valley. 
Meanwhile, at Plattsburgh Fraternal Day was cele- 
brated by a parade in which Labor organizations 
and Granges were a feature, the latter, representing 
by a display of farming implements in historical 
sequence and floats the agricultural interests of the 
Valley from the days of the pioneer to the present. 

" The enduring lesson of such a gathering as this is that the 
plough gives a securer title to the land than the rifle. ' ' 

— Hon. Seth Low, Brooklyn, N. Y. 1850, 
in address at Crown Point, 



204 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

In the evening President Taft and party arrived 
at Bluff Point station where they were met by Col. 
Cowles and other officers of the Fifth U. S. Infantry 
and visiting regiments. Troop H of the Fifteenth 
U. S. Cavalry acted as escort to the President and 
the British and French Ambassadors. At the hotel 
the guests gave the President a most cordial reception, 
after which he was entertained at dinner on the house- 
boat of Hon. W. C. Witherbee, where the President's 
son and daughter with their cousins, were the guests 
of Mrs. Witherbee and the younger members of that 
family. 

JULY 6 

1734 A grant was made to Sieur de La Perriere, an 

officer stationed at the castle of Quebec and after- 
wards governor of Montreal, of one league above 
and one below the River Ouinouski (Winooski). 

1758 At a little cove (Howe's Landing), Gen. Aber- 

crombie landed from his flotilla of batteaux, rafts 
and boats his army of 9,000 provincial troops and 
7,000 British veterans. As the van guard pushed 
through the dense woods they encountered the van 
of the French army, like themselves uncertain as 
to the way. Near Trout Brook, Putnam said to 
Lord Howe who was leading his 1,500 veterans, 
" Keep back, keep back, my lord, you are the idol 
and soul of the army, and my life is worth but little." 
" Putnam " answered Howe, " your life is as dear 
to you as mine is to me. I am determined to go." 
At the first fire, Howe fell with another officer and 
several privates while Stark, Putnam, and Rogers 
with their rangers fought Indian fashion. Soon, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



205 



with spirit broken, after great loss, with their beloved 
leader dead, the army marched back to their place 
of landing to bivouac until the next day. 




LORD HOWE 



1777 At the first dawn of light, 3 deserters came in 

and informed that the enemy were retreating the 
other side of mount Independent. — Dighy. 

1789 Took our things and returned to the Lake at 

Esq. McCauley's where we tarried till the 13, then 
set out for Lake George, log'd at betsburgh. 

— Piatt Rogers. 

1806 The birthday of Anson H. Allen of Palatine, 

N. Y. He was known as " The Old Settler " and 
located in Essex county where he became a printer 
and publisher. He published in turn the Keeseville 



206 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Herald, the Essex County Times at Westport and, at 
Keeseville he started The Old Settler which gave 
him his sobriquet. In 1840, while travelHng through 
the wilds of Keene, engaged in taking the census, he 
had encountered a she bear with her cubs. After a 
hard fight, often recounted by him, he succeeded in 
killing the mother, which event was later recorded 
by a local poet in a humorous poem ending : 

Let old men talk of courage bold, 
Of battles fought in days of old, 
Ten times as bad, but none I ween, 
Can match a bear fight up in Keene. 

1875 At 12.20 a. m., the steamer Champlain, on her 

passage from Ticonderoga to Rouses Point, ran 
ashore on the mountains about three miles north 
of Westport and became a total wreck. There was 
no loss of Hfe, baggage or freight. The same day in 
BurHngton the Fletcher Free Library was first 
opened to the public with 9,000 volumes all catalogued. 

TICONDEROGA 

These ragged, crumbling walls, 

O'er which the sunset falls — 
How strange and far away they seem: 

Landmarks from history's page. 

Ghosts of a bygone age, 
Phantoms of half forgotten dream. 

Here stood that daring band — 

Brave sons of freedom's land — 
In great Jehovah's name and might. 

Here Allen, stem as fate, 

Towered by the postern-gate. 
His unsheathed sword-blade gleaming bright. 

— Buckham. 

1909 At Ticonderoga where fell, one hundred and 

fifty-one years ago this day, brave Lord Howe of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 207 

cherished memory, the principal celebration took 
place. The Presidential party were received at the 
" Pavilion," the old Pell mansion on the lake shore, 
and at the Fort were shown the West Barracks, 
lately restored through the munificence of CoL 
Robert M. Thompson, father of Mrs. Stephen H. P. 
Pell. Addresses were made on the great plain below 
the fort by Governors Hughes and Prouty, followed 
by President Taft. The historical address was by 
Hamilton W. Mabie. 

JULY 7 

1734 Sieur Contrecour, Jr., ensign of Infantry, re- 

ceived a grant for a tract of land " beginning at the 
mouth of the Riviere Aux Loutres (Otter Creek)," 
which grant extended " two leagues in front by 
three in depth, together with so much of said river 
as is found included therein with three islets which 
are in front of said concession and depend thereon." 

1756 In the morning Capt. Rogers, out on a scout 

with 50 men and 5 whale boats (for 2,000 French 
had been employed all the season in building the 
fort afterwards called Carillon), secreted his party 
on the east side of the lake about 25 miles north of 
Crown Point. They had drawn their boats over the 
mountain and passed Ticonderoga in the night. 
While lying there Rogers counted 30 boats passing 
towards Canada. 

1758 In the morning Abercrombie added to the de- 

pression of his troops by withdrawing the whole 
army to the protection of the works at the landing. 
At noon Col. Bradstreet advanced to the French 
sawmills at the lower falls which the French had 
abandoned. In the meantime the French toiled all 
day directed by Dupont Le Roy, a distinguished 



2o8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

engineer, in constructing a parapet and an abattis. 
By evening the French were made glad by the arrival 
of 400 veterans. 

1751 Richard, son of John and Elizabeth Jackson 

(Titus) Keese, formerly of Flushing, L. I., was bom 
at Nine Partners. With his father and brothers, 
Richard located at the " Union " in Peru, where he 
married Anna Hallock,only daughter of Peter and 
Anna (Green) Hallock. Her husband, having died 
at Nine Partners before 1793, Mrs. Hallock lived with 
her daughter until her death in 1832, three days 
previous to her hundredth birthday. 

1777 After marching 4 or 5 miles we came up with 

above 2,000 of the enemy strongly posted on the 
top of a high hill, with breast works before them, 
and great trees cut across to prevent our approach; 
but they had no effect on the ardor always shewn 
by British troops. — Digby. 

1909 Wednesday, Tercentenary week, interest centered 

at Plattsburg. Here, President Taft with representa- 
tives of France, Great Britain and Canada, the 
states of Vermont and New York and other distin- 
guished guests, after a reception at CHff Haven and 
luncheon at the home of Hon. Smith M. Weed, pro- 
ceeded to Plattsburgh Barracks. There, the presi- 
dential salute of twenty-one guns announced the 
arrival of the Nation's Ruler. With the blue of lake, 
mountains and sky for a background, from a review- 
ing stand, holding thousands, the President viewed 
the marching columns of the " boys in blue " of the 
regular army, the Governor General's Foot Guards 
of Canada in scarlet, the picturesque Highlanders, 
companies of our State National Guard in khaki, 
veterans of '61, organizations, civic and fraternal, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 209 

with floats and pageants, the whole commanded by- 
Col. C. D. Cowles. 

After the parade, Hon. H. W. Knapp introduced 
the speakers, of whom Gov. Hughes was the first, 
followed by President Taft, Ambassadors Jusserand 
and Bryce, Postmaster General Lemieux and Senator 
Root. The latter gave an able address on " The 
Iroquois and the Struggle for America." Hon. 
Daniel W. Cady of New York read an original poem. 

Following the speaking, the President reviewed 
the assembled troops in a brigade parade and the 
Presidential party returned to Hotel Champlain, 
where, in the evening, a banquet was served to 
five hundred guests of the Governor and New York 
State Commission. In the meantime, at the mouth 
of the Saranac, the performance of the Indian pageant 
and fireworks closed the eventful day. 

JULY 8 

1756 " Two lighters, manned with twelve men and 

loaded with wheat, flour, rice, wine and brandy for 
the French forts, were captured and sunk, and four 
of the men kiUed " by Rogers and his men. 

1758 De Levis, who had been recalled by Vaudreuil 

from an expedition undertaken against the Mohawk 
valley, arrived at Ticonderoga at five o'clock in the 
morning, accompanied by De Senezergues, destined 
to die with Montcalm on the plains of Abraham. 
At about the same hour at the English camp three 
or four hundred Mohawks arrived. 

The attack began soon after noon and the con- 
flict raged all that long hot July afternoon. Regi- 
ment after regiment was ordered forward until the 
crystal waters of Lake Horicon were red with blood. 
At last the hardy veterans, panic-stricken, fled in 



2IO Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

confusion, their retreat being covered by the pro- 
vincials. 

— And the timid moon looked down with a smile 

On the blood-stained battle ground, 
And the groans of the wounded rose up the while 

With a sad heart-rending sound. — 

— Lticreiia Maria Davidson. 

1777 From Skeenesboro the line of Burgoyne's march 

formed a circle comprehending Castleton, Bennington 
and Mt. Pittsford. 

1818 In St. Paul's church, New York city, near the 

monument erected to his memory by order of Con- 
gress, Jan. 25, 1776, were deposited the remains of 
Major-General Richard Montgomery. Col. Richard 
Piatt, nephew of the Plattsburgh pioneer brothers, 
in whose arms the revered Montgomery is said to 
have expired, was the venerable marshal on that 
day. 

1873 Tuesday, dedication of the First Presbyterian 

church at Plattsburgh. The structure commenced 
in the fall of '67, is built in early English pointed 
Gothic style, of dark blue native limestone laid in 
courses of rough ashler with trimmings of grey 
hammered limestone. The interior finish is black 
ash. The chapel which has been in use since October, 
1869, is entered from Marion street, recently laid 
out by Weed & Mooers and named in honor of the 
latter 's wife. 

1909 Burlington celebrated the coming of Champlain. 

President Taft was escorted by the First Regiment 
of Vermont National Guards to the stand in front 
of City Hall, where Bishop Hall of the Episcopal 
diocese of Vermont offered the invocation. Ad- 
dresses of welcome from Governor Prouty and Mayor 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 211 

Burke were responded to by Governor Hughes, 
Ambassadors Jusserand and Bryce. President Taft, 
the last speaker, emphasized the fact that " the 
gathering here in amity, in peace and in a union 
that cannot be torn apart of three great powers, 
England, France and the United States, and with 
England, her first daughter, the Dominion of Can- 
ada " was a feature unequalled in the annals of the 
world. 

The military parade was reviewed from another 
grand stand across the square, after which the Presi- 
dent witnessed the exhibition of the Indian pageants. 
A direct descendant of little Eunice Williams, the 
Deerfield captive, called by her father's parishioners, 
"the Lost Child of Zion," was with the Iroquois 
Indians of Caughnawaga, participating in the 
pageant. 

A drive about the city was taken by the President 
and party, previous to the dinner, commemorative 
of the occasion, given at the University gymnasium, 
which closed the President's visit to the " Queen 
City." He returned to Washington on the evening 
train. 

JULY 9 

1 69 1 Major Peter Schuyler wrote in his Journal:— 

"Came Gerrard Luykasse and Herman Vedder with 
two Mohawks, from a party of 80 Mohawks at a Lake 
right over Saraghtoga, who went by the way of Lake 
St. Sackraman and promised to meet us in six days 
at Chinandroga." * * "—Lieut. (Abraham Schuy- 
ler) went out with 50 men and finished Canoes enough 
for the Christians." 

1 758 Early in the morning the British troops embarked 

and by evening reached their old camp at the southern 



212 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

end of Lake George, while the wounded were 
conveyed to Fort Edward and Albany, to which the 
ammunition and artillery were also sent. 

— We reached a charming spot 
To other mortals known as Isle La Motte, 
But we, who gaily sailed o'er smiling seas 
Deemed it the land of the Hesperides. 



Can you not see the shining beach that ran 
Along the peaceful lake to Fort St. Anne? 
The steep ascent? — the path across the hill 
Beneath the trees? — The spreading oak tree 
Is all that's left of that which used to be 
Except the grass grown mounds of Fort St. Anne 
Where once were wooden wall and barbican. 

— Mrs. Palmer. 

1909 At Isle La Motte the celebration was brought 

to a fitting close by reHglous and patriotic services. 
Regular troops visited the island for the first time and 
at the Shrine of St. Anne, near the spot where first, in 
1665, religious services were held, solemn high mass 
was celebrated by Bishop Burke of Albany with sixty 
members of the clergy in attendance, the priests of 
the diocese singing a plain chant mass and the Rev. 
P. J. Barrett of St. Mary's Cathedral, Burlington, 
preaching the sermon. 

The literary exercises were opened with prayer 
offered by the Rev. John M. Thomas, D.D., president 
of Middlebury College. Senator Henry W. Hill of 
Buffalo, a native of Isle La Motte,the first speaker, was 
followed by Gov. Prouty, Lieut. d'Azy (representing 
the republic of France), Gov. Hughes and "Vermont's 
peerless orator, " Judge Wendall P. Stafford, now of 
Washington, D. C, who, as orator of the day, held 
3,000 people enthralled while he eloquently told the 
story of the three centuries in the valley since Cham- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 213 

plain, " brave, able, ambitious, devoted, grasping for 
king and church, at the best the new world had to 
offer," first saw this lovely island. 

At the close of the ceremonies at the shrine the 
entire assemblage, headed by the band and escorted 
by Company M, First Vermont Infantry and two 
troops of the Fifteenth U. S. cavalry, marched to the 
crest of the hill where the boulder, in memory of Seth 
Warner and Remember Baker, the gift of the Patri- 
otic Societies of Vermont Women, was to be dedicated. 
Mrs. Edward Curtis Smith of St. Albans presided and 
the St. Albans Choral Union rendered " To Thee, O 
Country" and " Star Spangled Banner" in which all 
joined. The address of welcome was delivered by 
Mrs. F. Stewart Stranahan, State Regent of the Ver- 
mont Colonial Dames and the presentation to the 
State, made by Mrs. Clayton N. North of Shoreham, 
Stated Regent of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution. The tablet on the face of the boulder 
was unveiled by Miss Dorothea Smith, daughter of 
ex-Gov. and Mrs. Edward Curtis Smith, and Harry 
Hill, son of Senator and Mrs. Hill of Buffalo. In behalf 
of the State, Gov. Prouty accepted the monument and 
Dr. Thomas made the dedicatory address. 

In memory of the first white men who founded Christian 
homes upon this fair island, and in this ancient pathway of war 
sought to establish homes of peace, and in honor of Seth Warner 
and Remember Baker, intrepid heroes of the Green Mountains, 
lovers of liberty for their children, for whose freedom they gave 
their lives, who encamped while on perilous service for their 
country, and in commemoration of General Montgomery and his 
intrepid army, we place this boulder as a token of our gratitude 
for their mighty deeds and our veneration for their self-annulling 
devotion. — Dr. Thomas. 

Mrs. Elvira Sarah (Warner) Parker of St. Johns, 
P. Q., great granddaughter of Seth Warner laid a 
laurel wreath upon the monument. 



214 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

JULY 10 

Pray that God may keep, and in due time deliver us. 

Letter of Ebenezer and Abiah Hill, captives in Quebec, 
1705 to their relatives in Wells. 

1712 Lieut. Samuel Williams, then twenty-three years 

old, a son of Rev. John Williams, left Deerfield for 
Canada with French prisoners to effect an exchange 
of captives. He reached Boston in September with 
nine New England captives, but his little sister Eunice 
was not among them. 

1758 At daybreak De Levis, following the track of 

Abercrombie, found only " vestiges of a stricken and 
routed army; the wounded and supplies abandoned, 
and clothing scattered through the woods." 

1765 — Our four carpenters began to cut and square 

timber for the mill, the other hands being employed 
cutting wood for coal, clearing land, &c. All the cattle 
having been brought safe from Crown Point some time 
ago, by four of our people, who having swam them 
across the lake at Crown Point, drove them through 
the woods on the east side to the cloven foot, from 
thence we ferried them to the cloven rock in a scow, 
hired from New England men, and drove them from 
thence through the woods to Milltown, having now 
given that name to the land at the falls. — Gilliland. 

1813 I have information from the Deputy Quarter 

Master, at Albany, that Gen. Wade Hampton is to 
assume the command of the Northern Army. Strange 
that the government should appoint southern men to 
such responsible stations at the north. Gen. Mooers 
ought to have this appointment, Montreal would be 
in his possession in a month. He is a brave, judicious, 
and prudent officer, and, withal, extremely popular 
with his fellow-citizens. They would follow him with 
the greatest cheerfulness. — Journal ofEleazer Williams. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 215 

1846 A grand railroad convention held in Malone, at 

which 1,000 delegates were present. Stock was sub- 
scribed freely, fifty thousand dollars worth of which 
was taken in Plattsburgh. 

1909 Saturday, at Rouses Point, the week's festivities 

ended with sports on the lake. Champlain 's ship 
" Don de Dieu " which had accompanied the Indian 
Pageants from Ticonderoga to each place of celebra- 
tion, was anchored in the harbor. Motor boat races 
and canoe races, including a war canoe race with four 
competing teams, were run over a course policed by 
the torpedo boat Manley and two navy laimches. 
The evening w^as illuminated by fireworks. 

JULY 11 

1691 Major Schuyler with a party of " our Christians," 

having " sett out from Albany " in June on an expe- 
dition into Canada, and been " joyned "by 60 
River Indians and 15 " Mohawkes, " had by June 
28th, reached the last "carrying place." Here, they 
encamped and constructed canoes while scouts and 
parties were sent out to secure allies and provisions. 
Major Schuyler writes in his Journal : — 

" In the morning they ("22 Christians and 4. Indians ' 
sent for food) returned from the carrying place with the bread 
and of 7 7 lib sent me by Mr. Livingstone, I received no more than 
800 bisketts their canoe being oversett, and all their pease wett." 

1710 Capt. James Plaisted and his wife Mary (Rish- 

worth) Plaisted, who had been carried captive (with 
three children by a former husband) to Canada in 
February, 1692, but redeemed in 1695, deed land to- 
gether in York (Me.). Her children were never re- 
deemed. The baby boy was killed by the savages on 
the march, and the sisters died, the one, a Sister of 
the Congregation; the other, Madame de L'Estage of 
Berthier and Montreal. 



2l6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1 784 A survey of i ,000 acres of land to be given to the 

first ten settlers, was commenced. These settlers 
were: — Charles Piatt, Thomes Allen, Jabez Pettit, 
Kinner Newcomb, Jonathan Sexton, John B. Hart- 
wick, Darick Webb, Cyrenus Newcomb, Moses Soper, 
Jacob Ferris, nearly all of whom were soldiers of the 
Revolution. 

1833 Dr. Beaumont, at Plattsburgh, recorded the third 

of his fourth series of Gastric Experiments and Ex- 
aminations of the stomach on St. Martin. He says : — 

" 6 o'clock, A.M. Weather cloudy. Wind N.E. Th. 65 
deg. Stomach empty and clean. Temperature 100 deg. before 
rising. 8 o'clock, 30 mins. Weather clear and dry. Wind S., 
brisk. Temperature of stomach i o i deg. after exercise. 9 o'clock 
30 mins., P.M. Weather hazy. Wind S.W., light. Th. 75 deg. 
Temperature loi." 

1908 Tag Day was observed in Plattsburgh for the 

Humane Society and the sum of $489.39 was raised. 

JULY 12 

1691 This day returned the Messengers I had sent to 

bring back the Indians runn away, having found none 
I sent 21 Men to the carrying place for more pro- 
visions. — Major Peter Schuyler. 

1758 Arrival at Ticonderoga of the younger Vaudreuil 
with 3,000 Canadians. 

1 759 Beginning of the siege of Quebec. 

1812 Eight companies of the Vermont militia under 

Col. Williams are quartered in the new barracks, east 
of the" green " at Swanton. The barracks are built 
in the form of a crescent with a parade ground at the 
north-west. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 217 

1821 Arrival at Detroit, just one year and one day 

from the date of their first arrival, of the deputation 
from the Six Nations, with Mr. Williams at their head. 
They had been sent to effect a purchase of land from 
the Menominies and Winnebagoes for the Oneidas 
and others contemplating settlement in the West, 
which transaction was the following month brought 
about by treaty. 

1833 Report of Experiment IV: Fourth Series: — 

" 6 o'clock, A.M. Weather clear. Wind W., brisk. Th* 
70 deg. Stomach empty. Temperature looj deg. after going 
out into the open air. 9 o'clock, P.M. Weather clear. Wind 
W., light. Th. 76 deg. Temperature ioi| deg. Stomach 
empty." 

— William Beaumont, M.D., Surgeon in the U. S. Army. 

JULY 13 

1691 I sent 5 Indians with 4. Christians downe to the 

falls to look out. — Schuyler's Journal. 

1758 Six hundred Indians arrived to aid Montcalm. 
A few days later Rogers and Putnam with their com- 
mands were surprised by Marin and his Indians and 
Putnam and a few others were cut off from the main 
body. The men were slain and Putnam captured. 
In what was afterwards the town of Crown Point, the 
brave ranger was tied to an oak tree while his savage 
captor amused himself by hurling his tomahawk as 
near the head of his victim as possible, without strik- 
ing the mark. Saranac chapter possesses a goodly 
piece of bark from this very tree with the marks of 
the tomahawk plainly visible. Later, Marin himself 
released the unhappy Putnam when tied to the stake 
with the crackHng frames already rising about him. 
That same autumn Putnam's exchange was effected. 

1759 The cannonading of the opposite armies at 
Quebec continued. 



2l8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



JULY 14 

1691 Being accompanied with only seven Indians we 

removed to the falls distant i6 miles & there en- 
camped. — Schuyler. 

1705 Elizabeth Casse (Corse) (captured with her uncle 

Deacon Thomas French and his children, Mary, 
Thomes, Freedom, Martha and Abigail, at Deerfield), 
was baptised by Father Merial and adopted by Pierre 
Le Roi of St. Lambert, whose wife was one of her 
sponsers. She grew up with the Le Roi or Roi 
children. 

1759 The sisters of the Ursuline convent sought safety 

in their cellar from the terrific cannonading, while 
above their heads shot and shell riddled their cherished 
retreat. 

1766 — sent my men to the meadows to make hay 

which they accomphshed agst. — Gilliland. 

Oh, the longing of nature born, 
To brush the dew and to breath the mom, 
To plunge the lips in some gliding brook, 
And lie full length in a sunny nook: 

— Buckham. 

1784 The survey of the outlines of Plattsburgh Old 

Patent was commenced and immediately afterward 
the outline of Cumberland Head was surveyed. 

1789 Proceed to Ticonderogue. — Piatt Rogers. 

1832 Elizabeth, second wife of Dr. John Miller, died 

at her home at the head of Broad street. His wives 
were sisters, two of the five daughters of Isaac Smith 
and his wife, Margaret Piatt, of Dutchess county. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 219 

Another sister, Phebe, married Dr. Burnet Miller and 
became the mother of Margaret Miller who married 
Dr. OHver Davidson, the latter couple, the parents of 
Lucretia, Levi P., Matthias and Margaret Davidson. 
During the British invasion, the family of Dr. Miller 
was in Dutchess county with relatives. Their home 
was damaged by shot, barrels and casks in the cellar 
being burst open and a cannon ball finding lodgement 
in the chimney on the first floor. 

1873 At Burlington, the Fletcher Free Library was 

founded by Mrs. Mary L. Fletcher and her daughter, 
Miss Mary M. Fletcher. In 1876 they generously 
added $6,000 to their first gift. 



JULY 15 

1691 " The last company that were sent for provisions 

returned with looolb of bread, and towards evening 
came also Lieut. Abraham Schuyler with some Indians 
which made up our number of Indians 62." 

— Schuyler. 

1759 (O. S.) All the UrsuHnes, except eight who had 

obtained permission to remain in charge, fled to the 
convent attached to the General Hospital which, for- 
tunately, was beyond the range of besieging guns. It 
was the refuge of hundreds from the ruins of the 
Lower Town and the nuns were kept busy day and 
night, nursing sick and wounded. 

1 789 ' ' Had our Battoo hall 'd acrost and went up Lake 

George about 8 miles." — Piatt Rogers. 

1 796 Birth of Mary, daughter of Wm. Pitt and Hannah 

(Kent) Piatt, on Cumberland Head. 



220 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1816 An Academy for advanced pupils was completed 

at the northwest corner of College and Willard streets, 
Burlington, and is now the site of the present Gram- 
mar School. 

1887 The new Stevens House, Lake Placid, capable of 

accomodating 350 guests, was opened to the public, 
just two months after the first structure had been 
leveled to the ground by an Adirondack cyclone. 

1898 A meeting was called by Saranac Chapter, 

D. A. R. and a Patriotic Relief Association formed, 
of the officers of which, two were chosen from the 
Chapter and two from outside — all working harmoni- 
ously, assisted by individuals, who w^orked for both 
organizations. 

JULY 16 

1691 Being Thursday, we moved from the falls about 

noon and pitched our tents in the narrow^s of the 
drowned lands 12 miles distant. Three of our Canoes 
being broken, I sent 3 Christians & one Indian to the 
end of the Lake St. Sackraman where our Mohawks 
are making Canoes to acquaint them that I will meet 
them at Chinanderoga. — Schuyler. 

1789 Set out in order to mark a road to the Screwn 

(Schroon) Lake, to which Lake we arrived the 20 
Morning. — Piatt Rogers. 

Answer, soul of mine — which way 
Hast thou made a road to-day? 
Hast thou followed Love's sure chain 
Over hill and over plain? 

— James Buckham. 

1846 Leah (Webb) Smith, wife of Allen Smith, Revolu- 

tionary soldier and pioneer, died at her home on the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 221 

Beekmantown road. The Webbs came to this 
country about 1 700 and settled in the Mohawk valley. 
After peace was declared they went to Long Island. 
The Smith and Webb families came to Plattsburgh 
together, Allen Smith locating opposite the McCreedys 
the lands of both being heavily wooded with fine 
maple trees. Little dreaming that a ledge of limestone 
lay under their land, the McCreedys drew the stone 
for their home from a distance. Only a bridle path 
then led through the woods to the grist-mill on the 
Saranac. The original house of the McCreedys and 
the bam of Allen Smith are still standing. The 
Smiths had six children: Rebecca, Isaac (who ac- 
cupied the homestead), Harvey — (died in Beaver 
Dam, Wis.), Richard, Simeon, and Augustine. 

1880 The first electric light ever seen in Plattsburgh 

was exhibited with Pullman and Hamilton's circus. 

" The Planetary Constellated Conflagration of Effulgence 
and Heaven-bom Splendor exceeds the full power of 240,000 gas 
lights." 

Advertisement Plattsburgh Republican. 

JULY 17 

1758 At Fort Edward, N. Y., whither he had been 

carried mortally wounded on the retreat of the army 
from Ticonderoga, died Dimcan Campbell of In vera we 
of the Black Watch, 42d Highland reg't. A brown 
head stone inscribed with his name and date of death, 
now marks the spot where his remains were re-interred 
some years ago, 

1812 The news of the declaration of the second war 

between the United States and Great Britain reached 
this county a month after the event. About this time 
Col. Isaac Clark of the Eleventh U. S. Infantry, and a 
veteran of the Revolution, arrived at BurHngton to 



222 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

make the necessary preparations. He was a son-in- 
law of Gov. Thomas Chittenden and was known as 
" Old Rifle " among the Green Mountain Boys. For 
the government he bought ten acres on a bluff over- 
looking the lake, the present Battery Park being a 
part of the same, 

1857 Until this date vast numbers of wild pigeons, 

millions of which, since early April had been nesting 
in the forests on the heights west of Plattsburgh 
(Rand Hill and the vicinity of Danemora) continued 
to be baited and taken by old pigeon catchers at- 
tracted from different parts of the country by news of 
their location. Four companies are known to have 
shipped to southern markets 150,000 dozen (1,800,000) 
birds. A week later not a bird was to be seen, the 
surviving immense flock, having taken a north-easterly 
direction through Henry ville, Canada, to the forests of 
Maine. This yearly visitation occurred in the forties 
and fifties, the numbers being so great as to almost 
obscure the sun and miles of forest trees being bent 
imder the weight of the old birds and their progeny, 
a single tree containing from 20 to 80 nests. Nothing 
like it has been seen in Champlain Valley in recent 
years. 

JULY 18 

Patter, patter, on the ground, 

Rustle, rustle in the trees; 
And the beaded bushes round 

Drip when shaken by the breeze. 

— Buckham. 

1691 Rainy weather we made but one Canoe. 

— Schuyler. 

1757 Vaudreuil, a Canadian by birth, who had served 

in Canada and been governor of Louisiana, arrived at 
Carillon. — Paris Doc. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 223 

1766 Mary, daughter of Col. John and Altie (Van 

Wyck) Bailey of Dutchess county, was bom. 

1776 This morning, just after the beating of the 

reveille, a courier reached the camp of the Americans 
who were posted on the hill, with a copy of the Decla- 
ration of Independence, which caused great en- 
thusiasm in the camp. A feu-de-joie of thirteen guns, 
in honor of the thirteen Confederate States, was fired, 
and the hill named Mount Independence to com- 
memorate the event. Lieut. Benj. Mooers was 
present at this time. 

1832 The wedding day of Caroline Adriance Piatt 

(youngest daughter of Hon. Isaac C. Piatt and Anne 
Treadwell), and the Rev. John Diell, seaman's chap- 
lain at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands. The bride, a 
bright, lively girl, was educated at the Young Ladies 
Seminary of Mrs. Nancy Royce of Clinton, N. Y. The 
following stanzas are from a poem addressed to her 
by her friend, Mrs. Davidson, on the eve of her mar- 
riage and departure. 

TO CAROLINE. 

Adieu, my fair, my much loved friend, 

A long, a last farewell: 
May — angels on your steps attend, 

And every fear dispel: 

***** 
When severed is each tender tie, 

Which binds your heart to home, 
And when beneath a foreign sky 

A wanderer you roam, 

May he, the friend for whose dear love 

Rich blessings you forego, 
A tender guardian ever prove 

In happiness or woe. 

1834 Birth, at Wadhams Mills, of Alonzo Alden, son of 

Isaac Alden, a descendant of John Alden of the May- 



224 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

flower. He attended Keeseville Academy and gradu- 
ated from Williams in 1859. At Cold Harbor and 
Fort Fisher, he gallantly led the charge of his regi- 
ment — 169th N. Y. — and was severely wounded in 
both charges. From 1866 to 1874 Gen. Alden was 
postmaster of Troy. 

JULY 19 

No sound disturbs the stillness 
Save the cataract's mellow roar, 

—V. B. Wilson. 

1691 We broke up from Chinanderoga, advanced to 

the Crowne point 20 miles distant and about one of 
the clock after noone pitched and send out spyes. 

— Schuyler. 

1749 Prof. Kalm and his party, with ample provisions 

which had been supplied by Gov. Lusignan, sailed 
away from Fort St. Frederick on the first yacht built 
on the lake, which that year made regular trips to St. 
Johns. At two points (probably Point au Fer and 
Windmill Point) Kalm saw evidences of a small settle- 
ment but some distance after entering the Richelieu 
the country was inhabited without interruption. 

1765 Begun to blow up rocks that were in the way of 

our mill-trough, having now judged it useless to 
make a dam, sufiEiciency of water being obtainable 
without it. — Gilliland. 

JULY 20 

The foaming waters proudly whirl, 
As longing to be free. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1691 Haveing the winde hard at N. and rain, we con- 

tinued our seat and sent out 18 spyes in two Canoes 
and made 3 Canoes more. — Schuyler. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 225 

1789 The majority of the land (on the way to Schroon) 

is mountainous, hilly, rocky and rough, altho some 
good valleys and small intervale. A large quantity 
of very fine maple, also all kinds of timber that's com- 
mon in this Country. — Piatt Rogers. 

Have a brother's care and pray 
God to mark thy road each day. 

— Buckham. 

JULY 21 

The winds came roaring through the woods, 
Adown the rock the torrent pours, — 

— Mrs. Davidson, 

1691 Being stormy, and the wind northerly, wee 

moved not. — Schuyler. 

1759 Amherst's invincible flotilla moved in four 

columns down the water with artillery and more than 
eleven thousand men. — Parkman. 

1813 Plattsburgh, — I have heard several able dis- 

courses from the Rev. Mr. Weeks, on the Decrees of 
God, concerning which I can not agree with him in 
every respect. Gen. Mooers seems to submit to them 
as in accordance with the Scriptures. Gen. Skinner, 
my particular friend dissents from them. He pleads 
the agency of man. He is well versed in the Scrip- 
tures, i. e., he retains much in memory. Mr. Nichols, 
a lawyer, is greatly opposed, he is willing to hear the 
subject discussed. — Journal of Eleazer Williams. 

JULY 22 

1635 Champlain held his last council at Quebec, invit- 

ing the Hurons, who had come down the river with 
their customary constancy, to participate. The 
burden of the Governor's address to them was that if 



226 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

they would only worship the Frenchman's God, they 
would flourish under his benignant protection and 
have no difficulty in overcoming the Iroquois. 

— Winsor. 

1691 Hard weather we continued our seat, Mohawques 

presented me with a bundle of ninety two sticks, 
meaning their number, twelve of them boys, with 
the names of the principal heads: * * The River 
Indians did the like in number 66, * * Wee then 
held a Cotmcil of Warr, how to discover Fort Leprarie 
and to take a prisoner if possible and concluded to 
send out nine men. — Schuyler. 

1759 The army of Amherst disembarked on the eastern 

shore of Lake George, nearly opposite the former 
landing place of Abercrombie. 

1777 Lieut. Frazier 9 reg and lieu Scott 24 regt were 

sent on a party of observation by gen Frazier to dis- 
cover if possible what the enemy were about on the 
lake. They had 12 regulars and about 30 Indian in 
canoes. * * * About 20 miles from St. Johns 
near Isle aux Noix — island of nuts — they fell in with 
a party of the enemy, and, after some firing, brought 
them to us prisoners, with the loss of one Indian and 
a few wounded. The captain's name was Wilson, 
who informed us they were very strong at Crown 
Point and Ticonderoga, both places of great strength 
by nature. — Digby. 

JULY 23 

1691 Major Schuyler " sent out nine spyes vizt 3 

Christians, three Mohawks and three River Indians, 
who advanced from Crowne point toward Regio, 30 
miles distant — " These , ' 'the wind rising and blowing 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 227 

hard" returned to the main body now encamped "on 
shoar at the Otter Kill" and reported "fyers on the 
Eastern shore. " Again, spies were sent as before, "but 
the woods being thick saw nobody " but judged from 
the number of fires that the enemy "might be a con- 
siderable army " where upon three canoes were sent 
"to keep strickt watch" of the approach of the enemy 
while Schuyler " resolved by the Grace of God to 
withstand them, but nothing appeared that night — " 
and the party "made a small Stone Fort breast high." 

1759 While Amherst was engaged in preparing for a 

siege at Ticonderoga, De Burlemaque, the French 
commander of Carillon, retired to Fort Frederick, 
leaving Hebencourt with 400 men of the La Reine 
regiment to hold the fort. 

1765 I embarked in company with the Rev. Mr. Henry 

and Mr. William Jones for Canada, and arrived at 
Montreal ferry, in less than 14 hours, allowing about 
10 hours delay, while the sloops lay at anchor, and 
at St. Johns. — Gilliland. 

1814 The keel of the Eagle was laid at Vergennes. 



JULY 24 

1691 In the morning I sent out 5 Indians by land who 

discovered a great many fires and two houses, but 
found nothing but bones, the Indians being removed 
from thence. — Schuyler. 

1714 After nine months of disappointing negotiations, 

Stoddard and his party set sail, having secured the 
release of but twenty-six captives and Eunice was 
not among them. 



228 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1759 Colonel Townshend — the Lord Howe of Amherst's 

army — struck by a cannon shot in the trenches, 
instantly expires. 

1765 We set out in Calashes, for Quebec. — Gilliland. 

1776 Delegates from 35 towns assembled at Dorset, 

there agreeing " to enter into an association among 
themselves for the defence of the liberties of their 
country." The Hon. Benj. Carpenter from Guilford 
was a member of that convention, and later, in the 
trying times succeeding, threatened by tories and 
Yorkers at home, Congress abroad and His Majesty's 
armies, that brave patriot with three days' provisions 
on his back, on foot crossed the Green Mountains by 
blazed trees to attend the legislature at Bennington. 

— Thompson. 

1813 Lieut. Thomas Macdonough advanced to the 

rank of Master Commandant. 

SUMMER RAIN. 

Aslant, the driven rain incessant streams; 
The thirsty meadows sigh with soft delight; 
The wind blown poplar shifts from green to white, 
And white to green, as aimlessly as dreams. 

— Buckham. 

1830 Saturday afternoon rain began to fall and con- 

tinued falling almost incessantly until the following 
Thursday at noon. Mill streams became raging tor- 
rents and swept everything before the rushing waters. 
This was the time when Jacob Saxe lost his property 
at Salmon River, only the house remaining. The 
whole surrounding country to the height of fifteen 
feet above the ordinary level of streams was under 
water. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 229 

JULY 25 

1691 The wind harde northerly, soe we were forced to 

lye still all that day. — Schuyler. 

1759 The French remaining in the fort at Carillon kept 

up the continuous fire of the day before, while at 
Quebec, (July 15, O. S.) the nuns of the Ursuline 
convent fled for safety, except the eight permitted 
to remain. These staid in the cellar. The Mother 
Superior was Esther Wheelwright, the New England 
captive, 

1816 In the old Mooers house (comer Bridge and Peru 

streets) Hannah Elizabeth, daughter of Col. Benj. H. 
and Margaret (Miller) Mooers, was bom. Late in life, 
her parents pioneered west to Wisconsin where so 
many of the founders of Plattsburgh of the second 
generation settled. This exodus was felt throughout 
the Valley. 

It (education) was more than doubly needful in Vermont 
which had no Church wealth or strength to begin with, and was 
losing instead of gaining, by every fresh movement of the people 
towards the West. — Hopkins. 

1864 Ticonderoga celebrated its centennial, at which 

time Joseph Cook, one of her most distinguished sons, 
made his famous address, this year (1909), published 
by the Ticonderoga Historical Society. 

1866 Theodorus Bailey, son of Judge Wm. Bailey, 

advanced to the rank of rear admiral and shortly 
afterwards appointed commander of Portsmouth 
(N. H.) Navy Yard. 

1896 Plattsburgh trolley line completed. 

1904 At Port Gilliland, (once Janesboro') the home .of 

her fathers, after a long and painful illness, most 



230 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

patiently borne, Emily Thurber Gilliland, a memberof 
Saranac Chapter, D. A. R., entered into rest. She was a 
daughter of Henry Phagan and Abigail (Thixrber) 
Gilliland and great-granddaughter of the patriot, 
Capt. William Gilliland, the first permanent settler on 
the west shore of Lake Champlain " where, in 1775, 
the settlers met and elected him moderator. He 
raised a company of minute men and in the disastrous 
retreat from Canada he and his servants, at his ex- 
pense, cared for the sick and wounded soldiers and 
gave a fitting burial to those who there succumbed to 
the hardships of that campaign." 

The lives that make the world so sweet 
Are shy, and hide like the humble flower. 

We pass them by with our careless feet, 
Nor dream 'tis their fragrance fills the bower, 
And cheers and comforts us hour by hour. 

— Buckkatn. 

JULY 26 

1688 Indian warriors landed on the island of Montreal 

and, having overpowered a force of 150 Canadians 
and 50 Indians imprudently sent against them, de- 
vastated the whole settlement, killing nearly 1,000 of 
the inhabitants and carrying 1,200 of them into cap- 
tivity. 

1691 Major Peter Schuyler arrived at the Isle la Motte 

with a flotilla of canoes and 266 men, of whom 120 
were Whites and the rest Indians. Schuyler says the 
fort had been " several years deserted." 

1757 The Marquis de Montcalm is gone to hold a Coun- 

cil vidth all the Nations, consisting of thirty-seven, and 
on his return has fixed the departure of the army. — 
Journal of the Expedition against Fort William Henry 

1759 At ten o'clock at night, deserters to the British 

camp informed Amherst that the French had aban- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 231 

doned the fort, but had left guns loaded and pointed 
with a lighted fuse connected with the powder 
magazine. Instantly an awful explosion resounded 
throughout the valley, announcing the blowing up of 
the fort at Ticonderoga. 

1783 Benjamin Mooers left Poughkeepsie in a bateau 

accompanied by Francis Monty and son, Zaccheus 
Peaslee, Pierre Boilan, Charles Cloutier, Antoine 
La van, Joseph Latourneau, Antoine Lasambert, P. 
Aboir and John Fessie, 

1788 In the State Convention, assembled at the Van 

Kleeck House, Poughkeepsie, Zephaniah Piatt, De 
Witt, Gilbert Livingston and Melancton Smith, by 
their votes secured the adoption of the Federal Consti- 
tution. Smith, imtil he saw that its adoption by the 
states was certain, had co-operated with Judge 
Thomas Treadwell, Yates, Lansing and his friend, 
Governor Clinton, in opposition to it. He then gave 
up his objections. 

" — A magnanimous sacrifice of preconceived principles 
and party discipline for the national welfare, and the effort was 
the greater, inasmuch as he had to desert his friend, Governor 
Clinton." — Chancellor Kent. 

1817 At twelve o'clock, President Monroe arrived at 

Cumberland Head on the steamboat Phoenix and 
was conveyed to the wharf in the village in Col. At- 
kinson's barge. From the w^harf he was escorted to 
Israel Green's Inn, by a company of the U. S. Infantry, 
under Capt. Newman S. Clark. Capt. Sperry's com- 
pany of horse and the Plattsburgh Rifles. At the 
hotel, Reuben H. Walworth, on behalf of the corpora- 
tion, delivered an address of welcome. As the Presi- 
dent passed into the house, the young ladies from 
Miss Cook's and Miss Forrence's schools strewed 



232 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

flowers in his path. In the evening, the President 
attended a party at the home of Capt. Sidney Smith 
of the Navy. 

1825 Judge Samuel Hicks, a pioneer in 1798, died at 

Champlain. He was a son of John and EHzabeth 
(Nutting) Hicks of Cambridge, Mass.; a captain of 
dragoons in the Revolutionary war and was engaged 
as commissary" in the battle of Plattsburgh, besides 
operating so actively against the British that they 
offered a reward for his head. 

1828 Captain Daniel Wilcox, the first boat-builder on 

the lake, died at the age of 64 years. He came, in 
1788, with Benjamin Boardman from Connecticut, 
where he had built the first boat, a sloop of 30 tons, 
after the Revolutionary war. Like the Boardmans, 
Joseph, Henry, Elisha and Samuel, he settled on Grand 
Isle, where he made the brick and built the house 
known as the D. Wilcox Inn on the Wilcox farm, 
South Hero. He also ran the first ferry from his 
place to the Ransom landing " under the swinging 
branches of elms and quivering shadows of Lombardy 
poplars." 

JULY 27 

1691 Major Schuyler and his men encamped last night 

and this night on Isle la Motte. 

1759 A sergeant of the British regulars succeeded in 

entering the burning fort and, raising the English 
flag, bore the white banner of France to his general. 

1777 Jane McCrea, in whose memory Jane McCrea 

Chapter, D. A. R. at Fort Edward is named, uninten- 
tionally shot by Provincials in pursuit of the band 
of British Indians with whom she was fleeing. Of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 233 

a Loyalist family and betrothed to David Jones, a 
young British officer, with a party of ladies she had 
just been visiting the British camp when the attack 
occurred. Her remains rest in Fort Edward ceme- 
tery. 

J8I7 President Monroe attended services in the Pres- 

byterian church and took tea at Judge Delord's. On 
the invitation of the President, Col. Melancton Smith 
dined with him at Israel Green's Inn. 

1830 " The Winooski River was from four to twenty 
feet higher than ever before known, according to the 
width of the channel," 3.85 inches of rain having fallen 
in the vicinity in the preceding sixteen hours 

1 83 1 Trinity church was consecrated. The Rev. Anson 
Hard was then rector. In the early years of its his- 
tory, the Society had met for worship at the Academy 
or Court House and during the interval (182 6-1 831), 
when the church had no rector, the members usually 
attended the services of the Methodist Church. 

JULY 28 

1691 Major Schuyler " called a Council of warr " and 

it was decided " to fall upon Leprarie." A little 
later four of their Mohawks sent out as spies were 
fired upon by a party of " eight of the Enemy's pray- 
ing Indians " and three wounded. These were car- 
ried " on shoar " and cared for and the invaders en- 
camped over night " within ten miles of Fort Sham- 
blie." On the second day they continued their 
advance toward Leprarie. 

1765 — arrived at Trois rivere. — Gilliland. 

1771 Sheriff Ten Eyck, at the head of two or three 

hundred variously armed men, among them the mayor, 



234 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

several aldermen and four counsellors of the law 
(Messrs. Sylvester, Robert Yates, Christopher Yates 
and Mr. Bleeker) left Albany to serve writs of eject- 
ment on James Breakenbridge and Josiah Fuller of 
Bennington. Meeting with armed resistance from 
the sturdy settlers of the Grants, they were only too 
glad to return alive. 

1817 At ten o'clock in the forenoon. President Monroe 

started for Sackett's Harbor, under escort of Capt. 
Sperry's company. At two o'clock a point in the 
road, leading through the primeval forest, thirteen 
miles distant, was reached, where a bower had been 
erected and a repast provided for his party. The 
money used had been intended for the purchase of a 
fire-engine, but a President does not visit Pittsburgh 
every year. 

1844 Death, in Burlington, of the Rev. Hiram Saf- 

ford, first pastor of the Baptist church to which he had 
come from his charge in Keeseville. His widow, Char- 
lotte SafTord, for whom Charlotte street in Platts- 
burgh is named, survived him many years. Hiram 
Safford served in the war of 1 812, as first Heutenant; 
captain and major of the Third Squadron, 7th. Reg't 
N. Y. Vols. Sept. 6, 1814, on the approach of the 
left wing of Prevost's army. Major Safford was on 
picket in command of his troops at Dead Creek Bridge 
and was attacked by the advanced guard of the 
enemy. During the battle, five days later, he and his 
command were in the old stone mill (site of Lake 
Champlain Pulp and Paper Co.) near the mouth of the 
Saranac river, on duty as sharpshooters, which duty 
was so well performed that they killed and drove away 
all the gunners from an EngHsh battery on the op- 
posite bank near the present residence of Hon. Smith 
M. Weed. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 235 

" Hiram Safford was a good pastor, citizen and 
soldier." — Tribute of President Buckham of the Uni- 
versity of Vermont. 

JULY 29 

'Twas evening, and the sun's last ray 
Was beaniing o'er the azure sky; 

Earth bade farewell to cheerful day. 

Which sinks beneath the mountain high. 

— Margaret Miller Davidson. 

1609 When evening came we embarked in our canoes 

to continue on our way; and, as we were going along 
very quietly, and without making any noise — we met 
the Iroquois at ten o'clock at night at the end of a 
cape that projects into the lake on the west side 
and they were coming to war. — Champlain. 

1759 Lord Amherst, the successor of Abercrombie 

with 11,000 men reached Carillon without opposition. 

1764 Birth of Henry Delord, son of Jean Baptiste and 
Frances Quinac Delord, parish of St. Castor, France. 
When a young man he married and went to Mar- 
tinique where, at the beginning of the French Revolu- 
tion he owned a large plantation and many slaves. 
The negro uprising sent him to this country and he 
settled in Peru as early as 1796. Here, on the corner 
opposite the Friends' meeting house he built a com- 
modious dwelling still standing, the oldest house in 
town. The first post-office was kept here and Louis 
Phillipe was once a guest. Large business interests 
requiring removal to Plattsburgh, the farm was sold 
to James Rogers, a worthy Quaker. 

1765 Mr. Henry being much indisposed, Mr. Jones and 
I took a ride out to view the iron works, situated at 9 
miles distance from the town. We found them 



236 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

greatly out of repair, no ore, iron or fuel, being not 
less than 9 miles, all by land. — Gilliland. 

1783 Lieut. Mooers and party arrived at Albany where 

they were joined by John LaFrombois, who was re- 
turning to his farm on the lake shore in Chazy. 

1798 Judge Melancton Smith died of yellow fever, the 

first case that appeared in New York city. The inter- 
ment was in Gold St. churchyard though there are 
stones to the memory of both the Judge and his wife 
in Riverside cemetery, Plattsburgh. An officer in the 
Revolution and a patriot in every sense of the word, 
he represented Dutchess county in the First Provin- 
cial Congress as well as in the convention which met in 
1778 to consider the constitution of the United States. 
With the Platts, whose acquaintance he had doubtless 
made while at work in a retail store in Poughkeepsie, 
to which he had been sent as a boy, he became one of 
the original proprietors of Plattsburgh though he did 
not live to enjoy his possessions. His two sons, Col. 
Melancton Smith, U. S. A. and Capt. Sidney Smith, 
U. S. N. settled on the Plattsburgh property and for 
their bright Httle Quaker mother, Margaret Mott, the 
principal street, Margaret is named. She was a first 
cousin, schoolmate and hfe-long friend of Dr. Valentine 
Mott. 

1897 President and Mrs. McKinley, Sec. of War, 

Gen. Russell and Mrs. Alger with private secretary, 
Gen. and Mrs. Porter arrived at Hotel Champlain. 

Out of the city, how the breeze 
Lisps and laughs in the tossing trees, 

Cools its wings in the crystal lake, 
Borrows odor of bloom and brake: 

Out of the city's smoke and soot 
Hasten pilgrims on wing and foot; 

— James Bttckham. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



237 



1853 Creation of the Diocese of Burlington. Its first 

Bishop, Rt. Rev. L. De Goesbriand, was consecrated 
the following October. 



1609 



1765 



1805 



JULY 30 

Champlain 's battle with the Iroquois took place 
in which several of the savages were killed and ten or 
twelve taken prisoners. Thus was the first blood shed 
by white men in the valley. 

" This place, where this charge was made, is in latitude 43 
degrees and some minutes, and I named the Lake Lake Cham- 
plain." — Champlain. 

We embarked on a bateau, at Trois rivere, about 
8 in the morning, and arrived at Quebec about 10 
that night. — Gilliland. 




Birth in Plattsburgh of Zephaniah C. Piatt, son 
of Isaac C. and Ann Tread well Piatt, and grandson of 
Judge Charles Piatt, the first permanent settler. Dur- 



238 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

ing the war of 181 2, Zephaniah C. was sent to Vermont 
to school, attending the primary department of Mid- 
dlebury College, of which an uncle was then principal. 
During the siege of Plattsburgh, his father's house 
was headquarters for the British General Robertson 
and was used as a military hospital. He afterwards 
attended the old Academy and was first president of 
both the Clinton County Savings Bank and the First 
National Bank of Plattsburgh. 

1813 Col. Murray embarked his force numbering over 

1,400 men, including infantry, sailors and marines in 
two war sloops, three gunboats, and forty-seven 
longboats, and, crossing the lines, passed Champlain 
where the Americans had not and never had a naval 
establishment. The same day some of the British 
gunboats menaced Burlington and exchanged a few 
shots with our batteries while Gen. Hampton was 
organizing his forces in town, intending to invade 
Canada, and Com. Macdonough was procuring the 
necessary equipment for his flotilla then occupying 
the harbor. 

JULY 31 

1 759 The French retreated from Crown Point to Isle 

aux Noix. 

1783 Lieut. Mooers' party left Albany and proceeded 

up the Hudson about five miles, where the boat was 
partially unloaded and taken over the rapids to 
Stillwater. — Palmer. 

1813 Murray and his force landed in Plattsburgh with- 

out opposition and began a work of destruction. In 
spite of his assurances that private property and 
unarmed citizens should be unmolested, in addition 
to destroying the block-house, arsenal on Broad 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 239 

Street, armory and hospital and the mihtary canton- 
ment at Fredenburgh Falls, two miles up the river, 
the British wantonly burned three private store- 
houses, taking possession of hardware belonging to 
merchants of the city of Boston, and broke into and 
robbed private dwellings. Judge Delord, Peter Sailly, 
Esq., Judge Palmer, Dr. Miller, Bostwick Buck, Jacob 
Ferris and Major Piatt were among the losers. 

Three of the British vessels appeared in Burlington 
bay and commenced to bombard the Battery, but the 
fire was returned from the guns mounted on the 
parapet with such vigor that the enemy retired. 

1814 Macomb's brigade, consisting of the 6th, 13th, 

15th, 1 6th, and 29th Regiments set out in boats from 
Cumberland Head for Chazy Landing while Bissell's 
brigade, comprising the 5th, 14th, 30th, 31st, 33d, 
34th, and 45th Regiments, started for Chazy by land. 
There were now 4,500 men at or in the rear of the 
village of Champlain. Invalids and 200 effective 
were left to finish the works on the Head while a work- 
ing party of 400 imder Col. Fen wick were completing 
the three redoubts in that village. 



240 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



AUGUST I 

The hills loomed up through the silver haze ; 
Tht air blew sweet, and warm, and soft. 
Far blazed the ranks of the golden-rod — 

— Buckham. 

1755 Arrival at Crown Point of Baron Dieskau, re- 

cently come from France with several veteran Regi- 
ments under orders for Lake Ontario, but hearing of 
the advance af the English towards Lake George, he 
had changed his course. 

1759 Bourlemaque with a handful of men holding 

Carillon, leaves the fort in flames and retreats to 
Crown Point. The deserted entrenchments were 
immediately occupied by EngHsh Grenadiers, while 
the French burned their forts at Crown and Chimney 
Points and, accompanied by the settlers, who had 
abandoned their farms, retreated to Canada. 

1809 The cargo of the sloop Franklin, Thomas Ed- 

wards, master, consisted of two crates of crockery, 
one box, six pounds of soap and 25 pewter plates. — 
Extract from old import hook at Plattsburgh. 

1813 At ten o'clock Murray, having completed his 

work ot destruction, embarked in haste, leaving a 
picket guard of 21 men, which were immediately 
seized and sent as prisoners to Burlington. The 
longboats and two of the gunboats went north, land- 
ing their men at Cumberland Head and Point au 
Roche, where they pillaged the houses and farms of 
Henry W. Brand, Judge Treadwell and Jeremiah 
Stowe. At Chazy landing, the enemy burned a store 
belonging to Judge Saxe and at Swanton, Vt., some old 
barracks and plundered several citizens. The two 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 241 

sloops and the other gunboat sailed south ten or 
twelve miles above Burlington and then returned 
towards Canada, firing a few shots at Burlington as 
they passed. 

This day on account of an invasion of the British troops 
there was no pubHc worship, and the sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper could not be administered, according to appointment. — 
Sessional records, Presbyterian Church, Plattsburgh. 

1884 D. & H. freight house and Dock Company's ware- 

house at Plattsburgh burned. 

1898 Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. sent 55 hospital shirts, 
75 cholera bands, writing paper, stamped envelopes 
and miscellaneous articles to Washington. 

1899 The Burlington Traction Co. extended its line to 
Queen City Park. 



AUGUST 2 

All about us the air was a-swoon 
With the brimming wine of midsummer noon, 
And the August pipers clear and shrill 
Sang chirr, chirr, chirr like a shepherd's tune 
On his oaten pipe, from the greenwood hill. 

— James Buckham. 

1756 Marquis Montcalm, with the 9,000 French and 

Indians he had collected during the summer at Caril- 
lon, captured Fort William Henry from Col. Monroe. 
This was the zenith of French power in America. 

" Had I to besiege Fort Carillon," said Montcalm, in 1758 
while wondering at the retreat of Abercrombie, " I would ask but 
six mortars and two pieces of artillery." 

1828 Beginning of the first term of the Academy after 

its incorporation with Alexander H. Prescott, who 
had previously taught in Chazy, as principal. Mr. 



242 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Prescott married a daughter of Dr. Herrick (whose 
home was opposite the Freleigh house on Peru street) 
and built and occupied the stone house, now 5 Broad 
street 

1836 Death came suddenly to Judge Matthew Saxe 

while at work in the hay field and the spot where he 
fell was, for many years, marked by a post painted 
red. Matthew Saxe with two of his brothers, came 
ta Chazy in 1808 from Highgate. He built a wharf a 
few rods south of the rude wharf of WilHam Lawrence, 
and a stone store-house, still standing. Soon a thriv- 
ing business sprang up at Saxe's Landing and con- 
tinued for many years until the building of railroads 
diverted the shipping interests from the lake and all 
the lake ports fell into a state of decadence. 

AUGUST 3 

The cotintry (Crown Point, 1759), thus cheaply won (by 
Amherst) was rich and beautiful; far as the eye could reach, 
magnificent forests and verdant turf alternated on the undula- 
tions of the landscape, down to the margin of the beautiful lake. 
The sugar-tree, and various fruits and flowers, abounded in the 
sunny valleys, and the scent of aromatic herbs filled the pure air 
with a delightful perfume. — Warburton. 

1808 Conflict on the Onion river near Winooski be- 

tween the " Black Snake," a large bateau commanded 
by Samuel J. Mott of Alburgh with a crew of seven 
desperate men engaged in smuggling, and the revenue 
cutter " Fly " under Lieut. Farrington (who was 
wounded in the fight) and a crew of militiamen, two 
of whom were killed with one of the smugglers. 

1833 Hugh Moore and Roby G. Stone began to publish 

the Republican. The latter had served an apprentice- 
ship of ten years in the office of the Burlington 
Sentinel and printed, edited and owned for more than 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 243 

a quarter of a century the Plattsburgh Republican 
He was a native of Bolton, Vt. and the last of his 
family bearing the name of Stone. From 1827 he 
held a commission in the militia and after his removal 
to the western side of the lake, was brigade inspector 
17 years and later inspector of the fourth division of 
N. Y. State militia. His interest in Vermont never 
changed and in 1862 he had attended 38 commence- 
ments at the U. V. M. He remained through life a 
Democrat of the most uncompromising type. 

AUGUST 4 

1759 Amherst with the main army reached Crown 

Point, where he traced out the lines of a new fort 
about two hundred yards west of the old French 
works, " as a defence in future against the savage 
scalping parties which had so long been a terror to 
the frontier settlers of New York." The fort though 
never completed, is said to have cost the English 
government over two milHon pounds sterling. 

1784 ^ Lafayette landed in this country for the third 

time. He was accompanied by John Louis Fouquet 
who first opened a boarding house in Albany and 
later settled in Plattsburgh where his godfather 
John Fontfleyd, had already located on Cumberland 
Head. 

But ah, the wing of death is spread; 

I hear the midnight murd'rers tread;— 

I hear the Plague that walks at night,— 

I mark its pestilential blight; 

I feel its hot and with'ring breath, 

It is the messenger of death! 

— Lucretia Maria Davidson. 

1832 Died in her home on Margaret street near Broad 

ot cholera dunng the scourge in that year, Mrs. Parker' 



244 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

wife of a respectable mechanic, both members of the 
Presbyterian church. The remains were interred at 
dead of night, attended by her courageous pastor, Mr. 
Chase, and a few of the church members, among them 
Mr. Winslow C. Watson. 

1867 On board the frigate Colorado, off Fort Pickens, 

Fla., died Capt. Thurber Bailey, son of John W. 
Bailey and his wife, Emily Thurber, a daughter of 
Gen. Thurber of Rouses Point. 



AUGUST 5 

1807 At Point Oliver, Lower Canada was born Frances 

J. D 'Avignon, a skilled physician and surgeon and 
a refugee from Canada, he came a pioneer to the Adi- 
rondack country after the termination of the Canadian 
rebellion in which he had taken an active part. Twice 
he had been arrested, the last time under sentence of 
death, but had miraculously escaped and during the 
Civil War joined the Union forces. Captured he was 
placed in Libby Prison, but later served his adopted 
country in being permitted to minister to sick and 
suffering Union soldiers. He died at Au Sable Forks 
at the age of 50. 

1832 Col. Ozias Buell, an organizer and benefactor of 

the First Congregational Church, treasurer of the 
University of Vermont for 21 years and public spir- 
ited man in every w^ay, died in Burlington, age 63. 
Trained in business methods under his uncle, Mr. 
Julius Deming, of Litchfield he estabHshed himself 
in Kent, Conn., where he held the office of colonel in 
the continental militia. After ten or twelve years he 
came to Burlington where his brother-in-law, Moses 
Catlin, was already settled. When the bell far the 
first church building was ready to be raised, Mac- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 245 

donough, whose vessel then lay at the wharf, " volun- 
teered the services of his men to his friend Buell and 
superintended the operation in person." Buell street 
perpetuates the colonel's family name. 

1909 Dr. D. S. Kellogg's valuable collection, containing 

several thousand specimens of Indian relics and local 
curios, sold to Amherst college for $6,000. Nearly all 
the Indian relics were found in Champlain Valley and 
most of them within fifteen miles of Pittsburgh . The 
sites of twenty-one Indian villages have been located 
by the doctor, the largest one being in the sand dunes 
near Dead Creek. Others were at the mouth of the 
Big Chazy, at South Plattsburgh, and in the town of 
Peru, and at all these pottery and flint implements in 
abundance were found. The score of copper imple- 
ments, knives, spearheads and hatchet heads, found 
in this vicinity were doubtless obtained by the Indians 
either in trade or taken from slain or captive enemies, 
smce there is no native copper nearer than Lake 
Superior. 

AUGUST 6 

Yet is not the whisper of the midsummer wind as distinct a 
voice, to those who hear it, as any in the pneumatic calendar? It 
surely is to me. I could never mistake its sound, and certainly not 
Its touch. — James Buckham. 

1787 Josiah Thorp completed his survey of Zephaniah 

Piatt's 1 7, 983 -acre location. 

1813 On Friday, near the lakeshore on the Boynton 

road, James Dougherty, a soldier, was hung and his 
body deHvered to the president of the Clinton County 
Medical Society "for the use of said society." 
Dougherty had been tried and convicted at the June 
Oyer and Terminer (Judge James Kent presiding) 
for the murder of a young man named John Wait, a 



246 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

resident of Salmon River, who was returning from 
Pike's Cantonment where he had been to deliver a 
load of wood. 

This is my thought of the Judgment-time: 

:i! :^ ilf ^ H: il^ :ti 

Each soul alone at its Father's feet, 

Nor suffered thence till it stands complete. 

— James Buckham. 

1838 At his farm, near Halsey's Corner, to which he 

had retired on resigning the pastorate of the First 
Presbyterian Church, died the Rev. Frederick 
Halsey, its organizer and pastor until 1810. He left 
a widow (his second wife) Mrs. Maria Man n^e Piatt, 
who later became the third wife of her neighbor and 
cousin, Isaac C. Piatt, Pastor Halsey came from 
Smithtown, L. I. to minister to this people in spiritual 
and educational affairs. At first he preached from 
house to house until a church was organized, which 
during the fourteen years of his pastorate held its 
services in the Block House near the lakeshore on the 
Point. It may be truly said that he laid the founda- 
tion for the educational, social and spiritual interests 
for this region. It is recorded that he solemnized 
more than 600 marriages and his church increased 
nearly five-fold during his ministry. At his grave it 
was said that he " was a man that never made a 
enemy " — a rare eulogy. 

1874 At Port Kent, in the house which he had built in 

1828, died Peter Comstock, far famed as the pioneer 
contractor and navigator of the Champlain Canal 
and prominent in the transportation and lumbering 
interests of the valley. The youngest son of Samuel 
and Sarah (Crippen) Comstock of Egremont, Mass., 
where he was bom in 1796, he came with his parents 
to Fort Ann about 1800. As a young man he settled 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 247 

at a point (since called Comstock) on the projected 
Champlain Canal in the construction of which he was 
the leading contractor. He ran the first freight boats 
and packets, was proprietor of the Red Bird Stage 
line, and principal proprietor of the opposition 
steamer Francis Saltus. Nothing ever daunted him — 
" a regular Napoleon in business — he carried every- 
thing by storm." 

AUGUST 7 

1763 The township of St. Albans received its charter. 

J. Walden, who remained here during the Revolu- 
tionary war and began improvements at the bay, is 
supposed to have been the first civilized settler. 
From 1785 to 1788, Messrs. Andrew Potter, Morrill, 
Gibbs, Green and Meigs with their families, became 
permanent settlers. 

1872 On Wednesday evening. President Grant ac- 

companied by Mrs. Grant and their sons Lieut. Fred 
and Jesse, Gen. P. H. Sheridan and his private Secre- 
tary, Gen. Porter, arrived in a special car from Og- 
densburgh. Early in the evening, at the Fouquet 
House a pubHc reception to the President was given, 
Gen. Sheridan receiving in an adjoining room. After- 
wards, in response to the demands of the crowd out- 
side, the distinguished guests spoke a few words from 
the balcony. Late in the evening a private reception 
was tendered the party at the residence of the Hon. 
Moss K. Piatt, at which the principal citizens were 
present. 

AUGUST 8 

Men wondered why in August heat, 
The little brook with music sweet 
Could glide along the dusty way, 
When all else parched and silent lay. 

— Buckham. 



248 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1754 In Salisbury, Conn, was bom Joseph Everest, 

son of Benjamin Everest, whose three sons, Zadoc, 
Joseph and Benjamin, were early settlers of Addison. 
Joseph was treacherously enticed on board a sloop by 
Carlton whom he knew, after hostilities had com- 
menced and Benjamin was taken by Indians after 
Burgoyne's surrender. The escape from their captors 
of these brothers forms many a thrilling tale. 

1760 Murray's fleet passed Three Rivers. 

1763 Orwell, Vt. was chartered to Benjamin Ferris 

and associates. 

1801 Birth, at Unity, N. H., of Allen Breed, Jr., son 

of Allen and Judith ((Livingston) Breed who settled 
at Crown Point in 1808 or 1809. Allen, Jr. owned an 
extensive farm two miles north of the village. 

1811 Occurred the marriage of Mr. William Gilliland 

and Mrs. Nancy Staats, both of Plattsburgh. Mrs. 
Statts, nde Ann Maria Hay, was the widow of Cor- 
nelius Staats, an early settler of Peru. His death 
occurred March 25, 1809. His live stock was identi- 
fied by " a Eks in the left ear." 

1872 President Grant and party left on the steamer 

"Oakes Ames" for Burlington, where he was received 
by the authorities of that city. 

1876 The first ascent of Lyon Mountain by a woman 

was made by Miss Hattie Lyon, a granddaughter of 
Nathaniel Lyon, an early settler at its base and from 
whom the mountain took its name. 

1909 Suddenly, early Sunday morning, at " Red 

Oaks," his summer home on Cumberland Head, the 
Rev. Joseph Gamble, D.D. was summoned " from a 
life of service to his heavenly reward." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 249 



AUGUST 9 

" Soli Deo Laus et Gloria " — 

Schuyler's quotation in closing his report of the expedition. 

1691 Major Peter Schuyler's party arrived in Albany 

with their "wounded in all 25." In the attack on 
Leprarie the French had been apprised of their com- 
ing and strength, and fought bravely but lost 200, in- 
cluding Indians, while the Albany party lost about 16. 

1766 We all proceeded homeward; on our way we 

stopped at the river Alamollie (the Lamoille) which 
lies about east of the south end cape of Grand Isle ; 
is a very large river, much larger than Otter Creek; 
went about 6 miles up it, no falls or rapids appeared, 
continued smooth, deep and wide, is well stored 
with fish, the land on both sides very sandy and bad, 
much ordinary pine timber. Near the lake the land 
is very low, looks as if flooded in spring. — Gilliland. 

1777 Saturday — B. Gen'l Frazier's Corps moved for- 

ward to Fort Miller, or rather Duer's House immedi- 
ately opposite (7 miles); And a Detachment from 
the Army, consisting of Reidesel's Dragoons, 150 Pro- 
vincial 100 Savages, and a part of Capt. Frazer's 
Rangers, in all 556, * * were detached towards 
Bennington . — H add en . 

The object of your expedition is, to try the affection of the 
Country; to disconcert the councils of the enemy, to mount the 
Reidesils Dragoons, to compleat Peters Corps and obtain large 
supplies of cattle, Horses & Carriages. * * You are to pro- 
ceed from Batten Kill to Arlington, and take post there 'till the 
Detachment of Provincials under the command of Capt. Sher- 
wood shall join you from the Southward. — 

Private instructions of Gen. Burgoyne to Lieut. Col. Baume. 

Thomas Williams, grandson of Eunice Williams 
and supposed father of the Rev. Eleazer Williams, 



250 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

was with Frazier's detachment, leading a company 
of his Indians. 

AUGUST 10 

1777 Sunday — The 53rd Reg't were order 'd back to 

Garrison Tyconderoga, The 62d Reg't being to join 
the Detachment under Lt. Anstruther at Fort George. 
The Army therefore is now deminish'd i British and 
I German BattaHon, left at Tyconderoga and Mount 
Independence — Hadden's Journal. 

The same day there died in Scotland in her 74th 
year, Mrs. Anna Campbell of the family of Bolenabe 
and consort of Mr. Duncan Campbell (of Inverawe). 

1783 We (Lieut. Benj. Mooers, Ensign Peaslee (a 

nephew of Gen. Hazen and cousin of Mooers ) and 
Lieut. Francis Monty, a refugee from Canada with 
eight Canadians) arrived at Point Au Roche and im- 
mediately went to work, and put up a comfortable 
Log House. I brought on with me a Father and 
son, by the name of Laflamboin, who had retreated 
with our troops and had previous to the Revolution 
settled on the west bank of Lake Champlain, opposite 
the Isle la Motte on which was some improvements, — 
We visited the place soon after we arrived — as also 
one or two other improved places — but found the 
buildings destroyed. — Recollections of Benjamin 
Mooers. 

1791 Margaret (Piatt) Smith, a native of Hempstead, 

L. I. and wife of Isaac Smith, died. They were the 
maternal grandparents of Mrs. O. P. Davidson of 
Plattsburgh. Isaac Smith in 1757, removed from 
Long Island, the home of his ancestors for nearly a 
century to Armenia, Dutchess Co. where they reared 
a family of five sons and six daughters. He was a 
justice and survived his wife but four years. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 251 

1849 A disastrous fire in four hours reduced the entire 

business portion of the vilHage of Plattsburghtoashes. 
Soon after the Hon. George W. Palmer (now living at 
the age of ninety-two), whose home nearly opposite 
the old Methodist church on Court street, had been 
burned, moved into a substantial brick house which 
he had been building on Oak street (then called 
Boynton Lane and later, Lovers' Lane). This was 
the first house on the west side of the street, north 
from Cornelia, except one small house on the north- 
west corner of Oak and Cornelia streets, then oc- 
cupied by George Buck, eldest of the six sons of 
Ephraim Buck, who built the fine house (now 39 Oak) 
on the opposite comer. 

1895 Ground was broken for the mill and dam of the 

High Falls Pulp Company at the great falls of the 
Chateaugay river, five miles below the outlet of 
Chateaugay lake at Bellmont. 

AUGUST n 

1777 This was a very hot day in Champlain Valley 

and, at night, was followed by so violent a storm of 
thunder, lightning, wind and rain that the soldiers 
of Lieut. Digby's regiment (the 53d) could not stay 
in their tents and the horses were so frightened that 
they tore down the sheds built to protect them from 
the sun. Digby wrote in his Journal: — 

A large detachment of German troops consisting of Gen. 
Reidzels dragoons who came dismounted from Germany, a body 
of Rangers, Indians & volunteers, with 4 pieces of cannon, went 
from our camp (at Fort Miller) on a secret expedition; their route 
was not publicly known, but supposed for to take a large store of 
provisions belonging to the enemy at Bennington, and also horses 
to mount the dragoons." 

1814 The new brig, carrying 20 guns, was launched at 

Vergennes and named the Eagle. 



252 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1831 At Burlington, Samuel Buell, son of the Revolu- 

tionary soldier, Major Elias Buell of Coventry, Conn., 
died in his sixty-sixth year. His widow, Julia 
(Sailly) Piatt, survived until 1840. For many years 
Samuel Buell had been collector of customs at Bur- 
lington. Major Buell and his wife, Sarah Turner, 
died the same year, 1824, in Albany. 



AUGUST 12 

1760 Murray's fleet anchored opposite Sore! where M. 

de Bourlemaque was posted with about 4,000 men. 

1768 Boundary line between Canada and New York 

Colony fixed by an order in Council. 

1773 John Strong, Benjamin Kellogg, Zadock Everest 

and ten other Addison boys went with Allen to dis- 
possess Reid at the Falls near Vergennes. 

1784 Zephaniah Piatt of Poughkeepsie, in behalf of 

himself and thirty-two associates, who collectively 
had acquired the requisite number of " rights " and 
located them upon the tract of land claimed by De 
Fredenburgh under his warrant, procured the neces- 
sary certificate from the Surveyor General, that the 
lands were vacant and unappropriated. 

1793 Birth, in Dutchess county, of Polly, daughter of 

Rufus Comstock, a pioneer in Plattsburgh about 1800, 
removing later to Beekmantown. 

1812 David B. McNeil was admitted to practice in the 

Supreme Court of New York by Chief Justice James 
Kent (afterwards Chancellor). In 18 14, David, now 
Captain, McNeil was with the Essex County miHtia 
called out by Murray's invasion; was at Fort Cassin 



1835 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



253 



when that fort was attacked by British gun boats 
and, by the first of September, was again at Platts- 
burgh and on continous duty until after the battle, 
serving as adjutant-general on Gen. Mooers' staff. 

Elder William Pitt Piatt or " Farmer " Piatt as 
he was called, closed his earthly labors. No one 
contributed more generously than he towards the 
building of the Presbyterian church, and knowing 




WILLIAM PITT PLATT 



somewhat of his genius for mechanics, we wonder if 
the perfect Httle model of the first edifice of that 
Church, stored in the garret of the home of his son 
Moss at that time it burned, was not his work. On 
special occasions the neighborhood children had had 
the privilege of a peep into this fascinating structure 
and had seen " real pews with little wooden men 
sitting in them." 

He was a quiet man, of average height, spare, 
with quick, elastic step; black eyes and hair, with " a 



254 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

single lock of white hair as wide as your finger, just 
above the right corner of his forehead, the remaining 
hair black, slightly inclining to brown." In rehgion 
"a Presbyterian and an oracle among them." On 
that memorable Sabbath morning, with his five-year 
old son Moss, he stood on a promontory near his home, 
among the non-combatants, and watched the battle 
raging in Cumberland Bay. 

1 908 A tablet was placed at Cliff Haven in memory of 

Warren E. Mosher the originator of the idea of a 
Catholic Summer-School and one of its founders. 



AUGUST 13 

1690 Capt. John Schuyler of Albany with a little band 

of 29 followers and 120 Indians, proceeded as far as 
Canaghsionere (probably Whitehall). 

1791 Lot No. 9 on Cumberland Head was deeded by 

Judge Zephaniah Piatt to his son Wm. Pitt Piatt and 
here the latter brought his bride, Hannah Kent, the 
lovely and only sister of Chancellor and Moss Kent. 

1832 Francis Henriette DeLord, only child of Judge 

Henry and Madam Elizabeth (Ketchum) DeLord, and 
Henry Livingston Webb of Albany were united in 
marriage in Trinity church, Plattsburgh, by the Rev. 
J. H. Coit. 

1908 The comer-stone of the new Y. M. C. A, building 

laid by Governor Hughes with appropriate remarks. 

" Character is the basis of industry, the surety of the endur- 
ance of the Republic." 

— Hughes on that occasion. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 255 

AUGUST 14 

1755 Sir William Johnson reached the camp (Fort 

Edward) and found the army increased to 2,850 men 
fit for duty. 

1792 Asa Stiles, Jr., son of Asa Stiles, Sr., was born in 
Hebron, Conn, but removed with his father's family 
in 1794 to Shoreham and to Chazy in 1801. His 
father had been a teamster in the Revolution. Young 
Asa married Laura Hedding, a sister of Bishop Hed- 
ding and Judge William Hedding and with the latter 
he formed a business partnership. 

1793 Ira Hill, son of Caleb, was bom in Granville, 
Washington Co., N. Y. In 1802, his father removed 
to Isle La Motte, then nearly in a state of nature, and 
settled on the north end of the island where his de- 
scendants have remained to the present day. 



AUGUST 15 

The shadows of those dreary days 

Before my memory rolls, 
The rude and stem, and rugged ways 

Of the rough times that tried men's souls; 
— Centennial Poem, delivered at Plattsburgh, by Thomas F. Win- 
throp, July 4, 1776. 



1 735 Birth at Quebec of Bruno Trombly , the progenitor 

of the Tromblys of this section. He was one of the 
first to settle among the Indians in the wilderness on 
the western shore of Lake Champialn, coming thither 
in a canoe and settling near a bay, afterwards called, 
for him, Trombly 's. He became a farmer and owner 
of 2,000 acres of land. 



256 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1776 Birth of John B. Trombly, son of the pioneer, 

Bruno, like his father a large land-owner. His mar- 
riage to Pauline Lamereau, resulted in a family of 
thirteen children, ten of whom survived and settled 
in Chazy, Champlain, or Worcester. Their parents 
were buried in the Chazy Cemetery. 

1818 Troops at work on Fort Montgomery ordered 

back to Plattsburgh and detailed to work on the 
" Military Turnpike," a highway beginning three 
miles west of the village of Plattsburgh (Thorn's Cor- 
ners) and continued twenty-four miles toward Cha- 
teaugay. Over this route, Jonathan Thompson, at 
an early period, carried the mail on horseback but, in 
1823, commenced running a regular weekly stage to 
Ogdensburg. This line connected with steamboats 
on both Lake Champlain and Lake Ontario and en- 
abled merchants to make business trips to Albany 
and Montreal. 

1890 Death of Hon. Peter Sailly Palmer, to whom 

more than any other person is due the preservation of 
the pioneer history of this section. He was the 
author of " History of Lake Champlain from 1609 to 
1814," " Battle of Valcour," " Historical Sketches of 
Northern New York," etc., finding time for literary 
work and historical research while attending to the 
duties of his legal practice, holding the office of judge 
and surrogate of Clinton county and various village 
offices to which he was chosen through a long series 
of years. 

1903 The Vilas homestead became the property of 

the brothers of Christian Instruction, its name being 
changed to Mount Assumption Institute from the 
date of its acquirement, celebrated in the Catholic 
church as the feast of the Assumption, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 257 

AUGUST 16 

Help me to strive with zeal, — strive, though my star go down, — 
Sure that, while morning rise, some day my task shall crown. 

— Buckham. 

1759 Deserters from the French informed Amherst 
that the French were encamped on Isle aux Noix 
where a strong position gave them command of the 
entrance to the RicheHeu river. 

1760 " The last brilliant martial procession of war 
departed from Crown Point." Col. Haviland, with 
a long line of bateaux bearing 1500 regular troops, 
1800 provincials and some Indians under convoy of 
four armed vessels and an equal number of radeaux, 
moved north and encamped opposite the French 
post at Isle Aux Noix. Richard Montgomery accom- 
panied as adjutant of the Seventeenth regiment of foot. 

1777 The battle of Bennington was fought " on New 

York soil, but largely by Vermont boys." Maj. Asa 
Douglas was there from Stephentown, leading a com- 
pany of "Silver Greys," while the garret of his house 
at home was used as a jail and continued to be through 
the war, since at that early day there was no other in 
the county. John Palmer of Hoosic, N. Y. came lead- 
ing a company raised in that neighborhood, while 
his son John took part in the three days' skirmishing, 
part of which was in Hoosic. That morning, Water- 
man Eells went out from his Bennington home and 
came not back, and John Fay, and many another. 
Capt. William Douglas, the Major's son rendered 
important service as a spy. — And so the British 
were prevented from getting their needed supplies. 

1794 The negro man Hick and Jane, his wife, two of 

the forty slaves brought here by Judge Treadwell from 
his Long Island home, were manumitted by him. 



258 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1814 In the afternoon, Com. Macdonough, accompanied 

by a body guard, visited Capt. Caleb Hill at his home 
on Isle La Motte and consulted with him in regard 
to depredations made by certain sailors from his fleet 
upon property on the Island. That the offenders 
should be punished, if caught, was decided and Mac- 
donough returned, his boat laden with green com, 
new potatoes and garden truck which Capt. Hill had 
given him from the house garden. That evening a 
party of desperate men, including an ofhcer, pretend- 
ing to be British, entered the house and while being 
served with refreshments, murdered Capt. Hill in his 
own kitchen. His young son, Ira, while trying to 
escape, was struck by an officer with a sword, cutting 
a gash from below the right eye, through the mouth 
to the end of the chin, inflicting a scar which was 
carried through life. 

1838 Death, at Champlain, of Mary Tallmadge Corbin, 

wife of Capt. Joseph Corbin. 

1905 The Memorial Tower to Gen. Ethan Allen was 
dedicated by the Society of the Sons of the American 
Revolution. The tower, which stands on a rocky 
bluff, about 200 feet in height, known as " Indian 
Rock," near the entrance to the farm which was the 
last home of Gen. Allen, can be seen from the decks 
of passing steamers. The view from this tower 
" extends from Split Rock," on the south, along the 
Adirondack range, to Mount Royal, near Montreal. 
While on the east the eye follows the Winooski valley 
and the entire range of the Green Mountains." 

1906 On " Bennington Day," the Hand's Cove Chap- 
ter, D. A. R. dedicated a granite marker, set by them 
a mile east from Larabee's Point to commemorate 
the exploits of the early Vermonters and designate 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 259 

the place where Ethan Allen rendezvoused with his 
Green Mountain boys for the capture of Ti. 



AUGUST 17 

1700 " The French guards (sent out from Canada, 

etc.), met him in a canoe, within the bounds of the 
government, at the Otter Creek eighteen miles, on 
this side of Reggio, the great rock (Rock Dunder) 
that is in Corlear lake." — David Schuyler in a letter to 
the Earl of Bellemont. 

1756 At Nine Partners, Kinner Newcomb, son of 

Cyreneus, was bom. In June, 1776, Kinner enHsted 
in a company of Col. Melancton Smith's rangers, 
serving at Verplank's Point, Poughkeepsie, and on 
Peekskill Mountains, in apprehending and guarding 
tories. In August, 1777, he enlisted in Capt. John 
Rouse's company and marched in Gen. Glover's 
brigade to Stillwater, where he encamped on Bemis 
Heights until October i6th, then joining in the pur- 
suit of Burgoyne's retreating army. For his many 
patriotic services he afterwards drew 600 acres of 
land. The year following his marriage to Lucretia 
Banker, in 1784, he removed to Plattsburgh, where 
he remained the rest of his life. 

1759 Captain Loring of the English navy, realizing 

that the fate of the campaign rested upon the relative 
strength of the two armies on the waters of the lake, 
commenced a large raft to carry six heavy guns, but 
the enemy, in a fortnight " launched a new vessel 
pierced for sixteen guns." 

1763 The town of Georgia, Vt. was chartered. The 

early settlers had, at first, to go to BurHngton and 
Plattsburgh for their grinding, but the population 
increased so fast that mills were soon erected. 



260 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1778 Birth at Lynn, Mass. of Allen Breed, who re- 

moved with his father Eliphalet's family to Unity, 
N. H., where he grew to manhood, married, and had 
several children, all of whom settled at Crown Point, 
about 1808 or '09. 

1827 John Hammond, son of Charles F. Hammond, 

was bom at Crown Point. At the breaking out of the 
war of the rebellion, he assisted in sending out the 
first company of volunteers from Crown Point, and 
later " raised Company H, of the Fifth New York 
Volunteer Cavalry, with which he went to the front 
and did most gallant service." He was twice 
wounded and on his retirement received the brevet of 
Brigadier General. The remainder of his life was 
devoted to the iron manufacturing and railroad 
interests of this region. 

AUGUST 18 

1776 One sloop, three schooners, and five gunboats, 

carrying 55 guns, 70 swivels, with a complement of 
395 men, were ready for the new fleet which was to 
meet the English on the lake. Arnold was chosen 
to take command, much to the disappointment of 
Jacobus Wynkoop, a captain in the Continental 
army, who now refused to take orders from Arnold 
and, in consequence, was ordered arrested by Gen. 
Gates and was taken, a prisoner, to headquarters at 
Ticonderoga, whence he was sent to Albany. 

1818 Col. Melancton Smith died at the early age of 

38, of fever, contracted in the low malarial swamps 
around Quebec, whither his lumbering interests had 
taken him. He left a yoimg widow and a year old 
baby daughter, Elizabeth, who now found a home at 
"Grandpa Green's " inn. Colonel Smith was a man of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 261 

affairs, the first editor of the Republican, commander 
of Fort Moreau in the defence of Plattsburgh, and a 
prominent mason. He was buried with military and 
masonic honors from the mansion he had built in 
181 1. This imposing structure stood near the site of 
the present band stand until removed to make room 
for the Custom House, its timbers and other parts 
being sold piece by piece for the improvement of 
various houses in the county. His widow survived 
imtil 1879, dying in Green Bay, Wisconsin. 

1822 Judge Pliny Moore died at Champlain. The 

first English settler in the town, no one was more 
interested in its welfare than he, and the agricultural, 
educational moral, political, social and religious 
interests of the county claimed his attention as well. 
He divided his large estate by will justly among his 
children with reference to the needs and previous 
acquirements of each, making provisions for those 
who had served him and leaving land for the erection 
of a House of Worship, " & other buildings for the 
accommodation of People attending meeting to cover 
their horses in bad weather." 

1842 Moses Cathn, a native of Litchfield, Conn, and 

one of the first inhabitants of Burlington, died at the 
age of 72. His wife, Lucinda Allen, inherited from 
her father, Capt. Heman Allen (who died from a 
wound received at the battle of Bennington), a large 
fortune, including land lying between Vergennes and 
Highgate. It was in their first home on Court House 
square that the first Calvinistic Congregational 
church was formed in BurHngton. She survived her 
husband but six years, dying in the third home which 
he had built — this one back of the college that his 
wife might enjoy the wonderful view of lake and 
mountain as seen from that eminence. 



262 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1904 Dedication of the new Carnegie Library at Bur- 

lington. The structure has a granite foundation, is 
fireproof and built of red brick with white terra cotta 
finish. 

AUGUST 19 

1765 Arrived at Bertie (Berthier), opposite the mouth 

of the Sorell, which, being desirous to see, on account 
of its connection with Lake Champlain, I hired an 
interpreter and canoe, and crossed the River St. 
Lawrence there — land mostly very sandy (Sorell) 
particularly on the east side, where it is almost bar- 
ren — it is held at a high price notwithstanding. 

— Gilliland. 

In 1 81 8, Judge PHny Moore of Champlain, 
willed to his son. Royal, an interest in "a Carding 
Mill & Clothiers works and all privileges belonging to 
the same at Berthier;" also one-half similar mills at 
" Bousherville mountain." 

1 767 De Fredenburgh and nineteen associates petitioned 

for a grant of 20,000 acres of land, at Cumberland Bay 
on the west of Lake Champlain. This included both 
sides of the Saranac River and Cumberland Head. 

1777 Frederick Baum, lieutenant-colonel of the Bruns- 

wick Dragoons, was buried at Bennington with mili- 
tary honors. 

At the same time Elkanah Watson, then a youth 
of nineteen, was making his way south on horseback, 
deputed by his employer, John Brown, founder of 
Brown University, to carry fifty thousand dollars in 
money to agents in the Southern States, that it might 
be invested in cargoes for European markets. 

1833 The Clinton County High School was opened at 

Schuyler Falls with Alexander H. Prescott as prin- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 263 

cipal. Peter Weaver was President, and the Trustees 
were Calvin Everest, Elijah Weston, Azzel Purdy, 
J. H. Patchen, Daniel Beckwith, Thomas Weaver, 
Jeptha Hewitt, John Farnsworth, Piatt Newcomb 
and James Brand. In 1837, Mr. Prescott removed 
with his family to Buffalo, then only a small village, 
where he soon afterwards died, leaving descendants, 
some of whom still live there. 

AUGUST 20 
1765 — returned to Bertie (Berthier). — GilUland. 

1776 Gen, Benedict Arnold sailed from Crown Point 

with his fleet of nine vessels. 

1814 "I must not be responsible for the consequences 

of abandoning my present strong position. I will 
obey orders and execute them as well as I know how. 
Ma j. -Gen. Brisbane commands at Odletown ; he is said 
to have between five and six thousand men with him. 
Those at Chambly are stated to be about four thou- 
sand. — Gen. Izard to the Secretary of War. 

1873 John Syng Dorsey Taylor, M.A. died. 

" Let your words be like apples of gold in pictures of silver." 
— a quotation often made by him to his pupils. 

AUGUST 21 

1690 Capt. John Schuyler with his band reached a 

point " one mile below the sand-bank of Chambly," 
where one of his Mohawk Indians died. 

1765 — Proceeded to Montreal, where arrived that 

night . — GilUland. 

1846 Nathan Beman, the boy who led Allen into the 

Fort at Ti, died at Chateaugay, where he had settled 
as a pioneer in 1 796, coming with his wife on foot from 



264 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Plattsburgh, where he had lived, for a time on Cum- 
berland Head. His father, Samuel Beman, bom in 
Simsbury, Conn, July 1732, was an early settler of 
Plattsburgh, coming from Shoreham, Vt. His re- 
mains rest in Riverside Cemetery and the grave is, as 
yet, unmarked. The grave of Nathan is now un- 
marked, save by a marker placed some years ago by 
the Adirondack Chapter of Malone. The original 
stone disappeared years ago. Nathan, after the 
capture of Ti, joined Col. Warner's regiment. 

1867 On Wednesday, a large and destructive fire con- 

sumed the greater part of the business portion of the 
village. From the Presbyterian church, which, with 
its communion service, was entirely consumed, the 
fire spread west and east on Brinckerhoff street, on 
the west side of Oak, west side of Margaret and south 
side of Bridge, destroying dwellings, stores and 
offices, representing a loss of $469,861. Insurance 
$241,625. 

1903 At the terminus of the old Hazen Road, begun 

in 1776 by Gen. Jacob Bailey at Newbury, Vt, and 
carried a few miles beyond Peacham, but abandoned 
on account of American reverses in Canada, until 
resumed in 1779 by Gen. Moses Hazen and continued 
fifty miles farther, to Westfield near Hazen Notch, 
Green Mountains, a marker was dedicated. 

AUGUST 22 

But faithful history still the page unfolds 
Of war and blood; of carnage fierce and dark; 

Of savage bosoms, cast in giant mold, 

And hearts unwarm'd by pity's gentle spark. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1690 Schuyler reached Laprarie, opposite Montreal, 

intending to take the fort by surprise, but his savages 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 265 

gave the warwhoop on receiving word to advance 
and most of the French succeeded in gaining the fort. 
The invaders, however, burned the buildings, slaugh- 
tered 150 head of cattle, killed 6 and with 19 prison- 
ers beat a rapid retreat. 

1767 At Nine Partners, N. Y. Jared Lobdell, son of 

Darius and Mary (Baldwin) Lobdell, was bom. Re- 
moving, while young, with his father to Danby, Vt., 
he became the father of Methodism in Danby and 
the first church of that denomination there was built 
chiefly through his labors. In 1832, he removed to 
Plattsburgh, where he died peacefully Aug. 28, 1846, 
aged 79. His wife, Betsey, a daughter of John and 
Hannah Signor survived until Nov. 8, 1858, dying at 
the advanced age of 90 years in Plattsburgh. 

1814 —At 3 o'clock, P.M., a Ranger arrived, and the 

mtelligence ("that the enemy is in force at La Prairie 
and La Acadia plains") he brought was immediately 
communicated to the General, which was somewhat 
alarming in its import. — Eleazer Williams. 

AUGUST 23 

There's a sunny smile on the infant's lip, 
As he pauses the cup of enjoyment to sip; 
But a moment more shall have hurried by, 
And that smile will fade from his clouded eye ; 
Some childish sorrow, or childish sin, 
Shall cast its shade o'er the depths within. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1773 Birth of Russel Ransom, son of John Ransom of 

Kent, Conn, and brother of Hannah, Nancy, Lodema 
and John Lewis, all of whom settled with their 
parents on Cumberland Head. 

1785 The proprietors (Simon R. Reeves, John Addams, 

Zaccheus Newcomb, Israel Smith, Samuel Smith] 



266 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Zephaniah, Piatt, Burnet Miller & son, Melancton 
Smith, Charles Piatt, Piatt Rogers, Thomas Storm, 
Lewis Barton, Peter Taylor, Benjamin Smith, Albert 
Andrance, Benjamin Walker, John Berrien, Andrew 
Billings, Nathaniel Piatt, Nathaniel Tom, Jonathan 
Lawrence, Ebenezer Mott, Benjamin Calkins, Benja- 
min Titus, Jacobus and Samuel Swartout, William 
Floyd, Ezra L'Homedieu, John Smith, Thomas Tread- 
well, Philip Schuyler and Nathaniel Northup) had, 
by ballot, divided 24,300 acres, embracing 81 lots, 
among themselves. 

Previous to this 30 lots of 100 acres each had 
been sold to the following persons : — Peter Roberts 
from Manchester, Vt. ; Charles McCreedy and WilHam 
Mitchell from Dutchess county; Melancton Woolsey 
from Long Island; Daniel Averill and his brother 
Nathan, and the latter's son, Nathan, all from New 
Preston, Conn.; Simeon Newcomb from Nine Part- 
ners; Samuel Beman, lately from Shoreham, Vt. ; and 
John Kelly, Joseph Wait and Mr. Saxton. 

1814 General Izard wrote to the War Department 

that he had decided to remove west by the way of 
Lake George and Schenectady with 4,000 men, leav- 
ing the sick and convalescents and about 1,200 men 
under Brig. Gen. Macomb to garrison Plattsburgh 
and Cumberland Head. The same day Macomb 
went to Williams, commanding the Secret Corps, 
desiring that his agents obtain further information 
in regard to the enemy's force. 

1839 President Martin Van Buren arrived at Port 

Kent and was met there by Judge Fisk of Keeseville, 
accompanied by Richard Keese, in the former's grand 
carriage with hinged steps that let down like those 
of the famous coach of Washington. In the evening 
the President's visit was celebrated by a torchlight 
procession and illumination. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 267 

AUGUST 24 

1690 Capt. John Schuyler and a band of whites and 

Indians camped at Fort St. Anne on their retiim 
from Canada, whither they had gone to make an 
attack on the settlers in and about La Prairie, in 
retaliation for the fearful massacre at Schenectady 
during the winter. 

1759 Montcalm, discouraged at the inefficiency of his 
Canadian troops wrote: — 

" The capture of Quebec must be the work of a coup de 
main. The EngHsh are masters of the river. They have but to 
efifect a descent on the bank on which this city, without fortifi- 
cation and without defense is situated, and they are at once in a 
condition to offer me battle which I cannot refuse, and which I 
ought not to be permitted to gain." 

1 760 Col. Haviland opened a fire of mortars upon the 
French post at Isle Aux Noix. 

1765 — set out from Montreal for Willsboro, having 

bought many necessaries there for the settlers, and 
arrived at St. John that night. — GilUland. 

1787 Return of a Survey for Wm. Gilliland of 2,300 

acres of land on the west side of Lake Champlain, 
between a place called Rattle Snake Den and the 
Bay De Roche Fendue (Westport, Essex Co.). 

— Calendar of Land Papers. 

1839 The townspeople of Keeseville were invited to 

meet the President at Judge Fisk's great, square- 
roofed house, (present site of Daniel Dodge's). Mrs. 
Fisk, being a staunch Whig, would not shake hands 
with the President but remained in her room. Sought 
out by some of her friends, she said, "Been shaking 



268 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

hands with the President, eh : Shook hands like any 
other man, didn't he? " — Old Keeseville Tales. 

From Keeseville the Presidential party went to 
Plattsburgh by carriage. 

1840 Jeremiah Barnes, Sr., a native of Long Islandt 

died, of old age, in Beekmantown, whence, with his 
wife, Phebe Schelinger, he had come, a pioneer, in 
1809. At the battle of Plattsburgh he was a sergeant 
in Capt. Sherry's company, which held an advanced 
position and were the first attacked, fighting as they 
fell back to Plattsburgh. 

1760 Haviland, having erected batteries opposite the 

fort on the main land, occupied by Bougainville with 
1600 men, now made a vigorous attack upon the fleet 
of small vessels anchored on his enemy's flank and 
soon captured or dispersed them. 

1909 At Cliff Haven, under the auspices of the Cham- 

plain Summer School in cooperation with Col. Cowles, 
commanding the Fifth Infantry, U. S. A., and in the 
presence of patriotic societies and invited guests^ 
was dedicated the monument in Macdonough Park, 
Crab Island. This monument, a substantial granite 
shaft, overlooking the historic waters of Valcour 
Strait, has been erected by the Government in mem- 
ory of those who fought in the naval battles of Val- 
cour and Schuyler Islands, and at the battles of Platts- 
burgh and Lake Champlain. Hon. J. B. Riley presided 
at the exercises and made the opening address. Dr. 
Walsh read from a poem on the " Battle of Lake 
Champlain," Miss Malley recited " The story of Old 
Glory" and Dr.Coyle gave an address on the "Charac- 
ter of Macdonough." Music was furnished by a 
chorus and the Fifth Infantry Band. After the fir- 
ing of a musketry salute, a party crossed to the island 
and placed floral tributes at the base of the monument. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 269 

AUGUST 26 

1 690 Capt. John Schuyler's party stopped at ' ' the little 

stone fort," probably the one at Chimney Point built 
by D'Warm and Abraham Schuyler (who were the 
first English war party passing through the lake) in 
the spring. 

1821 Israel Green, the thirteen months' old son of 

Thomas and Elizabeth (Piatt) Green, died and was 
buried near the resting place of his mother's people, 
the Platts, in Riverside cemetery. 

1848 Death of Joseph Boardman, a nephew of Benja- 

min, who came to the Valley in 1788. Joseph settled, 
in 1797, on the south end of Grand Isle, where his 
brothers, Henry and Elisha, also settled. 

AUGUST 27 

1740 The meeting between Eunice Williams and her 

Indian husband and her brothers took place at Albany. 
Eunice, after 36 years of captivity, was now a mar- 
ried woman with children, with stronger ties in the 
land of her captivity than in the place of her birth. 

1760 Murray, having been joined by Lord Rollo with 

the regiment from Louisburg, again sailed up the 
St. Lawrence and that same night M. de Bougain- 
ville retired from Isle aux Noix leaving a garrison of 
only 30 men who immediately surrendered to Havi- 
land. 

1825 At her home overlooking Cumberland Bay, of 

that dread disease consumption, died Lucretia Maria 
Davidson, lacking but one month of being seventeen. 
An exquisite miniature likeness painted on ivory, 
shows her to have been of extraordinary beauty. 



270 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Several editions of her poems have been issued 
and the manuscript, including those never published, 
are in the possession of Mrs. M. P. Myers, the second 
regent of Saranac Chapter, whose great-uncle, the 
Hon. Moss Kent, was Lucretia's benefactor. To 
hirn she addressed the following poem. 




LUCRETIA MARIA DAVIDSON 



TO MY FRIEND AND PATRON 

And can my simple harp be strung 
To higher theme, to nobler end, 

Than that of gratitude to thee, 
To thee, my father and my friend? 

I may not, cannot, wUl not say 

All that a grateful heart would breathe ; 

But I may frame a simple lay. 

Nor Slander blight the blushing wreath. 

Yes, I will touch the string to thee. 

Nor fear its wildness will offend; 

For well I know that thou wilt be. 



tJv 



What thou hast ever been — a friend. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 271 

There are, whose cold and idle gaze 

Would freeze the current where it flows; 

But gratitude shall guard the fount, 
And Faith shall light it as it flows. 

Then tell me, may I dare to twine, 
While o'er my simple harp I bend, 

This little offering for thee. 

For thee, my father, and my friend? 

(Written in her sixteenth year) 

AUGUST 28 

1667 General de Tracy returned to France, while many- 

members of his regiment, being offered special induce- 
ments to become colonists, remained, giving their 
names to the settlements, Chambly, Chazy, Bertier, 
Sorel and others. During the previous winter, at 
the request of the General, Father DolHer de Casson 
had come on snowshoes from Montreal to Fort St. 
Anne, Isle La Motte, where he had celebrated mass 
and officiated at the burial of thirteen soldiers who 
had died of the scurvy then prevailing. 

1740 Eimice Williams (baptised at Caughnawaga, 

Marguerite 8aon' got) and her husband " Amrusus," 
who is said to have taken the name of Williams, con- 
sented to return with her relatives to Longmeadow 
for a visit of four days. The party left Albany the 
next day, arriving at the house of her brother, the 
Rev. Stephen, on "ye 2nd Tuesday of Sept." 

The same day, in Connecticut, John Ransom 
was born. He came a pioneer to Cumberland Head, 
building there the first ferry -house or inn on the east 
shore, near the present lighthouse. His marriage to 
Rhoda Pratt in Kent by the Rev. Joel Bordwell, 
pastor of the first church there is recorded in the 
immense family Bible brought from Connecticut and 
still preserved. His son, John Lewis or " Lewis " 



272 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

became a pioneer in that part of Mooers which was 
afterwards Ellenburgh, the first town meeting of the 
latter place being held at the dwelling house of Lewis 
Ransom. He was prominent in town affairs, and is 
believed to have been the first postmaster, an office 
which he held many years. 

1847 Alexander Scott of Chazy died at Brookljm, N. Y. 

He was a native of Troy and, with his brother Ebenezer 
A., settled first at Alburgh and then at Chazy pre- 
vious to 1 81 2. In the old cemetery at Chazy village 
the First M. E. Church erected a stone to his memory 
in recognition of his gift to them of a stone church. 

1858 Death, at Hoganstown, N. Y. of Eleazer Williams, 

the " Lost Dauphin." Peter Sailly and many others 
of his countrymen believed him the son of Louis XVI 
and with much reason, but Williams made no effort 
himself in this direction and is now generally believed 
to have been the son of his reputed father, Thomas 
Williams, grandson of Eunice. Hunting, trapping 
and fishing with his Indian relatives from Canada to 
Whitehall, educated in a New England village, a 
missionary among the Oneida Indians, projector of a 
scheme for uniting the entire Six Nations into one 
despotic commune, located beyond Lake Michigan 
with the capital at Green Bay — all his schemes failed 
and his last years were filled with disappointment. 

" In obscurity the humble Indian missionary 
passed from earth and his corpse sleeps with the 
untitled." 

AUGUST 29 

1760 Bougainville, weakened by the loss of his fleet, 

at night abandoned his position and the forts at St. 
John's and Chambly were evacuated at the same 
time, their garrisons retreating towards Montreal. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 273 

1899 At Perth Amboy, N. J. the bodies of A. D. Stevens 

and A. E. Hazlet two of John Brown's men executed 
at Harper's Ferry, for the same crime as his own, 
were disinterred and shipped for re-burial at North 
Elba with others killed at Harpers Ferry, Oct. 17, 
1859. The bodies of the two were buried at the 
expense and on the property of Mrs. Rebecca Spring. 



AUGUST 30 

1766 Embarked with Mr. Dean, Mr. Watson, and Mr. 

Rice, and Mr. Thompson for Crown Point, in order to 
give Mr. Dean, and Mr. Rice, a convoy with my Bateau 
and to meet Gov. Sir Henry Moore, who is expected 
about noon at Crown Point ; arrived at Crown Point 
this evening. — GilUland. 

1814 Major General Brisbane advanced his division to 

Champlain. 

1848 Samuel T. Buell died in BurHngton and was 

buried in Elmwood cemetery. 

1 899 On the John Brown farm. North Elba, surrounded 

by the moimtain sentinels, Whiteface, Marcy, Colden, 
"triple-crowned Mclntyre" and Saddleback, a thou- 
sand people gathered to witness the reinterment of the 
remains of seven men of the John Brown party, killed 
and buried at Harper's Ferry. These remains, in 
one casket, were escorted from the Lake Placid 
station by a detachment of the 26th Infantry, U. S. 
v., stationed at Plattsburgh with drum corps and 
bugler, headed by the Saranac Band Brass. Ad- 
dresses were made by the Rev. Joshua Young, D.D. 
of Groton, Mass., Bishop Potter, Whitelaw Reid and 
Col. Richard I. Hinton of Brooklyn. The singing of 
"John Brown's Body," benediction, firing of three 



274 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

volleys over the graves, and sounding of " Taps " 
closed the impressive ceremonies. 

1902 At Williston, Vt., the Rev. Alanson Darius 

Barber, one of the best known Congregational clergy- 
men in the state, passed away. He was bom in Beek- 
mantown, N. Y. in 1818, graduating from the U. V. 
M. in 1845. He studied for the ministry and was 
ordained in 1849, subsequently holding pastorates at 
Peru, N. Y., WilHston, Vt., in Pennsylvania and 
lastly, in Clarendon, Vt., ceasing from active labor in 
1876. Possessing marked ability as a writer he was 
chosen to read the paper on " The Pastors of the 
Church " at the centennial anniversary of Founding of 
the First Presbyterian Church at Plattsburgh, in 1897. 



AUGUST 31 

1 755 New recruits continuing to arrive, General Lyman 

found himself at the head of 3,100 provincials and 
250 Indians. 

1 765 Mr. GilHland, having had a tedious trip v/ith Capt. 

Leaky from St. John, having been detained by calms 
and contrary wind, " was put on shore at the river's 
mouth, at 9 o'clock that night, and walked through 
the woods for Milltown," He arrived at half past 
10, having been absent on his journey to Canada, 
40 days. 

Move to the fore, 
Men whom God hath made fit for the fray. 

— Buckham. 

1814 Gen. Izard, having waited in vain for different 

orders, withdrew from Plattsburgh and marched his 
army of 4,000 troops along the new State road 
through Pleasant Valley on their way to the Niagara 






v; c 




c3 11 




^1 




^ li 


^ 


<v X^ 


< 


«§ 


m 


Q 


«•= 


y. 


'w -t^ 


< 


•-X 


J 


K M 


« 


•^ s 


w 




m 


o =« 


P 


+J v< 




^!C 

^ 3 


W 


WJ"^ 






o 


O 4, 


K 


^"2 


<! 

W 


0) "^ 




Vh nj 




-^-^ 




oj 




^ "O 




^ C 




<v <u 




l-l t>/) 




be 4; 



^ 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 275 

Frontier. Almost immediately an officer came riding 
furiously shouting the news of a British invasion from 
the north and warning out the militia for — 

" General Brisbane, the British commander, encamped 
with the advanced guard of the enemy on the north side of the 
great Chazy. Sir George Provost following with all his combined 
forces, amounting to 15,000 well disciplined troops." 

— Mrs. Davidson in " The Events of a Few Eventful Days in 
1814." 

On the same day Gen. Mooers ordered out the 
militia of Clinton and Essex en masse to resist the 
invasion of the British and couriers on horseback 
hastened to alarm the surrounding villages and towns. 



The child, Benjamin J. Mooers, left on Seal Rock 
one hot August afternoon by some fishermen until 
their return from Plattsburgh, was forgotten and left 
through the chill August night, contracting a life- 
long asthma. 



276 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



SEPTEMBER 1 

Give me a crisp September morning for a tramp — none of 
those listless days while summer still lingers in the lap of fall, but 
one of those electric mornings after the first great change in the 
atmosphere that comes with the breaking of summer's backbone. 

— Btickham. 

1812 About 8,000 men, including regulars, volunteers, 

and militia under Gen. Bloomfield, are stationed at 
Plattsburgh, with small advance parties thrown for- 
ward as far as Chazy and Champlain. 

1814 Macdonough to-day anchored his fleet in Cumber- 

land Bay. Sir George Prevost following (Gen. Bris- 
bane) with all his combined forces, amounting to 
15,000 well disciplined troops, threw himself into the 
little village of Champlain. Immediately on his 
arrival there, he indeavored to disa fleet the minds 
of the inhabitants toward their own government, 
and draw them over to the enemy ; failing in this, he 
proceeded to impress w^agons and teams in the vicinity 
for the purpose of transporting their baggage and 
military stores. — Mrs. Davidson. 

1861 Society incorporated under the name of " Jewish 

Congregation of Plattsburgh." Wm. Cane, Pres.; 
Levi Gold, Vice Pres. ; A. Peyser, Sec. ; Solomon Mon- 
ash, Treas. 

1873 Death of Judge Josiah T. Everest at his home, 

which he had built in 1831 at Schuyler Falls and 
where had been reared his ten children. In his 
funeral sermon, preached by Dr. Witherspoon, his 
interest in agriculture, poHtics and religion was noted. 
Several times he was awarded first premium for the 
best cultivated farm by the County Agricultural 
Society and special credit was his due for successfully 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 277 

supervising the re -building of the Methodist parson- 
age after its destruction by fire in April, 1870. 

1873 The same day Col. Matthias Oliver Davidson, a 

noted civil engineer, died at Fordham, N. Y. He was 
a student at Pittsburgh Academy in 1832, and used 
to tell his school fellows of the poetry which his sister 
Margaret wrote. Of this brother, in a letter, written 
from Ballston, in 1835, to a poetical correspondent, 
she said: — 

" Dear Matty is thinking of railroads again, 

And longs to get hold of the rod and the chain. 

He talks of embankments, canals, and high bridges. 

Of steam-cars and tunnels, of swamps and of ditches." 

This shows the natural bent of Col. Davidson, 
even in childhood. He married Henriette, the 
daughter of his mother's cousin, Mrs. M. M. Standish 
(n^e Catherine Phebe Miller). Their son, Julian 
OHver Davidson, one of the best marine artists of 
America, painted for the Hon. Smith M. Weed, in 
1882-1883, the " Battle of Pittsburgh," copies of 
which are familiar to the public. 

1875 Plattsburgh High School Building completed at 

an expense, including furniture, of $40,000. 

Board of Education.— W. W. Hartwell, Pres.; 
E. C. Baker, Sec. ; M. K. Piatt, A. Williams, G. M. 
Beckwith, Monroe Hall, George L. Clark, B. McKeever 
S. H. Weed, O. A. Teft, D. S. McMaster. 

SEPTEMBER 2 

There is a splendor, an Oriental richness, about the golden- 
rod that is equaled by no other fiower. — Btickham. 

1698 Capt. John Schuyler, on his return from Canada, 

stopped at Isle La Motte. 



278 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1766 There (Ft. George) I met with the following 

Gentn Sir Henry Moore Governor of New York, 
General Carlton, Governor of Quebec province and 
Brigr Genl of the district, Philip Schuyler, Esq., 
Robert Harper, Esq., Charles Fredenburgh, formerly 
a Captain, — Carlton, Esq., nephew of General Carl- 
ton, Mr, John McKesson Atty; the four first gentn 
undertook this journey in order to fix the bounds 
betwixt the two provinces of New York and Quebec, 
by discovering the true latitude of 45d north, on 
which Mr. Harper acted as astronomer. Govr Moore 
immediately gave me an invitation to become one at 
his table, which I accepted, he and Govr Carlton 
accepted my invitation to take their passage in my 
Bateaux across the lakes. — GiUiland. 

1814 The 1,500 men (mostly recruits and invalids) 

left at Plattsburgh after the sudden march of Gen. 
Izard, w^orked bravelv at the defences, each man, 
bound to defend with his life if need be, the fort at 
which he labored. Fort Moreau, about midway 
between river and lake, was garrisoned by Col. Melanc- 
ton Smith and his command; Fort Scott, near the 
shore of the lake, by Major Vinson ; while Fort Brown, 
on the bank of the Saranac, was in charge of Lieut. 
Col. Storrs with detachments of the Thirtieth and 
Thirty-first regiments. The blockhouse, on the south 
side of a deep ravine, half way between the river and 
lake, nearly opposite to the entrance to the govern- 
ment reservation from Hamilton street, was defended 
by Capt. Smith and part of his company of convales- 
cents, Lieut. Fowler with a detachment of artillery 
being at the blockhouse on the point. 

1848 At Grand Isle, Daniel Jackson, author of " Alonzo 

and Melissa," died on the same day as his son, Archi- 
bald Henry Waterman. The father was bom in 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 279 

Peru " 5 mo. 31, 1790, son " of Daniel and Mary 
(Green) Jackson of the vSociety of Friends. When a 
young man, Daniel Jr. taught school, but removed 
to Grand Isle about 1832 and spent the remainder 
of his days on a farm, 

SEPTEMBER 3 

1696 Charles II confirmed the title of Godfrey Dellius, 

the Dutch minister at Albany, to the grant of land 
secured by him from the Mohawks, which, commenc- 
ing at the northwest bounds of Saratoga, extended 
north on the east side of Wood Creek and Lake Cham- 
plain to " Rock Retzio " (Button Bay), with its 
eastern line crossing the falls at Middlebury. " This 
was the first paper title to lands in Addison 
County." 

1755 While Johnson with the main army was at the 

portage at the head of Lake George, planning his 
advance upon Fort St. Frederic, Dieskau had left 
that post and was hastening towards South Bay. 

1759 The construction of a sloop equal in size to that 

of the French was begun by the English. 

1776 Arnold reached Windmill Point, eight miles 

below Isle la Motte and anchored there " in a line 
from shore to shore," sending his look-out boats a 
mile below with orders to watch the movements of 
the enemy at Isle Aux Tetes. 

The same day Capt. John Brown, a soldier of the 
Revolution, died in a barn in New York in the cause 
of liberty. He was the fourth in direct descent from 
Peter Brown of the Mayflower and grandfather of John 
Brown of Ossawatomie. His gravestone, brought 
from Connecticut to the Adirondack farm, marks the 



28o Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

grave of his hero grandson who requested to be buried 
near it. 

" The Captain of my salvation, who is also the Captain of 
liberty, has taken away my sword of steel, and put into my hands 
a sword of spirit." — John Brown in his last letter. 

1814 At Champlain was encamped, under Sir George 

Prevost, commander-in-chief, an army of from ii,ooo 
to 14,000 men, including artillery, infantry, light 
dragoons, miners and sappers, with Canadian chaus- 
seurs and a Swiss regiment: all tried and seasoned 
troops, many of them Wellington veterans. The 
same day the inhabitants were fleeing from Platts- 
burgh south, many finding an asylum at the " Union," 
where a few^ days later, from the crest of Hallock 
hill, they with the young Quakers watched the distant 
battle and heard the cannonading. 

Across the border-land they came, 
Pausing awhile at old Champlain 
To taste the loaves so sweet and brown. 
For which was famed that border town; 

— Mrs. Palmer. 

1818 Bishop Hobart visited Oneida Castle, and con- 

firmed eighty-nine persons, who had been prepared 
for that holy rite by Mr. Williams. The Indians were 
greatly impressed by the bishop. 

SEPTEMBER 4 

1775 Arrival of Gen. Schuyler at the sandy beach of 

Isle La Motte, where the army under Montgomery 
had been awaiting his coming since August 31. That 
same night the army moved on towards Isle aux 
Noix. On the night of August 30, Montgomery's 
troops had encamped at the GilHland settlement and 
Mr. GilHland had furnished some of the boats for 
transportation and had acted as guide for the army. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 281 

1814 The enemy's guard is within eighteen miles from 

us. Some of the bold and brave militia-men have 
exchanged shots with them. — Eleazer Williams. 

Thence onward marched o'er stream and lea, 
Passing the town of old Chazy — 

— Mrs. Palmer. 

"According to the best of my recollection, however, the 
town (Plattsburgh) was deserted by the inhabitants on or about 
the fourth of September, 181 4." — Mrs. Davidson. 

The main body of the invading army had indeed 
reached Chazy and Lieut. -Col. Appling, Capt. Safford 
and Lieut. M. M. Standish with a troop of New York 
State cavalry were sent out on the State road as an 
advance guard, while Capt. Sproul, with two cannon 
and 200 American soldiers went to defend Dead Creek 
bridge. About 700 of the militia of Clinton and 
Essex counties came pouring into Plattsburgh, in re- 
sponse to the call of Gen. Mooers, and the Vermonters 
rallied in great numbers under Gen. Strong, Early 
in the morning the boys of Captain Aikin's company, 
who, only the week before had been pupils in the 
Academy, marched to West Chazy where they re- 
mained all night. 

1819 On Saturday at 11, P.M. the Phoenix left her 

dock at Burlington, in command of Capt. Richard 
W. Sherman, son of Capt. Jehaziel Sherman, the 
regular captain. It was a clear moonlight evening 
and the route lay near Rock and Appletree Points, 
between Colchester reefs, on the west of Stave and 
Providence Islands and east of Valcour and Crab 
Islands. Among the passengers were George Bum- 
ham, the Custom House Officer and John Howard, 
on his way to Montreal w4th $8,000 as a special mes- 
senger from the Bank of Burlington. 



282 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

SEPTEMBER 5 

It was a lovely day, and not withstanding the warlike 
preparations, all nature wore the aspect of peace and tranquility. 
The rich foliage of the landscape was in full beauty; the early 
autumn shrubbery seemed the very perfection of nature. 

— Mrs. Davidson. 

1814 The British made their appearance at West 

Chazy and Aiken's Volunteer Riflemen " gave a good 
account of themselves by annoying the enemy from 
behind stumps, fences, &c., and disputed the ground 
with them all the way to Plattsburgh." That night, 
the right wing of the British army under Col. Welling- 
ton (a nephew of the Duke of Wellington) encamped 
about two miles north of Beekmantown Corners, on 
the farm of Miner Lewis. In Plattsburgh, Eleazer 
Williams wrote: — 

" A council of war was held last evening. My department 
was again called upon to state the force of the enemy. Every 
arrangement was made and settled how to receive him. All are 
in activity — * * * our fleet in the bay are manoeuvering — 
the gun-boats are exercising near the shores, in preparation to 
annoy the enemy whenever he may approach and attack the 
village. All are solemn — it cannot be otherwise — they (the 
soldiers) are determined that Plattsburgh shall not be attacked or 
surrendered, without the expense of British and American Blood. 

At night, 12 o'clock. — The enemy are now at Douglas 
Place, at the separation of the Lake and the Back Road, as it is 
called." 

1819 About I o'clock in the morning the pantry of the 

Phoenix was discovered to be on fire by John Howard, 
occupying an adjoining room. The flames soon reach- 
ing the engine in the centre of the boat cut off all 
communication between the two ends. The starboard 
boat with 20 passengers made for Providence Island 
(the nearest land), but the larboard boat, the larger of 
the two, was cut loose with but 14 passengers leaving 
1 1 to their fate. These sought escape on any floating 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 283 

material. Five found a watery grave, among them 
Mrs. Wilson of Charlotte, the stewardess, who had 
remained to save others, and Harvy Blush, a deck 
hand, whose parents erected a stone to his memory in 
Elmwood cemetery, Burlington, to this day a pathetic 
reminder of the disaster. Captain Sherman was the 
last to leave the boat and was picked up near Stave 
Island insensible. Ke, with John Howard, Harry 
Thomas and Mrs. Wilson made heroic efforts to save 
others. Early morning brought help from Burling- 
ton, Captains Robert and Lavater White, Dan Lyon 
and Almas Truman, coming in their sloops. 

1847 "The Lord's supper was postponed until the 

first Sabbath of October, on account of the fiftieth 
anniversary of the foundation of the Church falHng 
on Friday the ist of that month." 
— Sessional Records, Presbyterian Church, Plattsburgh. 

SEPTEMBER 6 

Then straight their onward way led down 
The country roads of Beekmantown. 

But here their sanguine march is staid; 
A saddening spell is on them laid — 

* * * * H: * 

They tread with saddened step and slow 
As on they bear the lifeless clay — 
As Wellington, they bear, with solemn tread, 
The first of their lamented dead. 
****** 
Later, not many miles away. 
Upon that fatefvd autumn day, 
The waiting batteries ambushed lay 
Masked by Wool's band of infantry. 
And as the English onward come 
" They cut a narrow, bloody lane; " — 
Thrice flashed the guns — ^but no avail — 
The surging masses now prevail. 

— Mrs. Palmer. 



284 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1814 About noon the British army reached Plattsburgh 

and took possession of the village north of the Sara- 
nac. Their right wing, under Col. Wellington, had 
been only temporarily checked by the loss of their 
leader at Culver Hill and the skirmish which had 
preceded that, near Beekmantown corners, and later, 
at Halsey's Corners. Meanwhile the left wing had 
been somewhat delayed by obstructions placed in 
the road, by an encounter at Dead Creek bridge and 
by firing from the American gun boats at the mouth 
of the Creek. Overw^helmed, however, by the im- 
mense number of the enemy, the defenders had 
retreated in good order to their works on the east side 
of the river, pulling up the planks of the bridge. 

Prevost chose for his headquarters the Thomas 
Allen farm, on the hill west of the village, from the 
summit of which the British commander could over- 
look the lake and watch for the appearance of his 
fleet. His troops encamped on the high ground in the 
vicinity, now known as Prospect Heights. Lieut. Gen. 
de Rottenburgh, second in command, established him- 
self west of Prevost, towards Hammond hill, with 
Gen. Powers and his command opposite on the south 
side of the road, but further west. Maj. Gen. Robert- 
son was at the Isaac Piatt farm, where the dead and 
wounded of the recent engagements had been carried. 
Brisbane was at the Boynton farm, then occupied by 
Samuel Lowell and the Qr. Master General took pos- 
session of the Capt. Nathaniel Piatt homestead, 
where that patriot still remained, although the Bailey 
family had retired to the " Union." at Peru. 

1830 Trinity Episcopal church, the only church of 

that denomination on the western side of the lake, 
was incorporated. James Bailey and Frederick L. 
C. Sailley were the first wardens; St. John B. L. Skin- 
ner, Samuel Beaumont, William F. Haile, WilHam F. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 285 

Halsey, Samuel Emery, George Marsh, John Palmer 
and John Lynde, the vestrymen. Few of the early 
pioneers now remained. 

A few months later an Episcopal Society was 
organized at Buriington and during the year a Catho- 
lic missionary was sent to Burlington, which was then 
included in the Diocese of Boston. 

1838 The wedding day of Peter Sailly Palmer and 

Margaret Smith, daughter of Capt. Sidney Smith, 
U. S. N. The groom was already in possession of a 
good practice in Michigan, whither they went, re- 
turning in a few years to Pittsburgh where they 
remained through life. 

1901 The news of the attempted assassination of 

President McKinley reached Isle Le Motte by tele- 
phone at 5.30. Here, on the beautiful grounds of 
ex-Lieut. Gov. Fisk, the Vermont Fish and Game 
League was holding a summer meeting. When 
Senator Redfield Proctor by request announced the 
shocking tidings to the thousand people assembled, 
many men and women burst into tears. Vice-Presi- 
dent Roosevelt, an honored guest, was at once taken 
to Burlington on Dr. Webb's beautiful yacht Elfrida 
whence, at midnight, he was on his way via Grand 
Isle county's new railroad in the private car of 
President Clement. 



SEPTEMBER 7 

1760 The troops under Murray were disembarked 

upon the island of Montreal, 

1766 ^ — took an observation by the sun at Crown 

Point (which was afterwards corroborated by a noc- 
turnal observation) and found it to be Latd 44° 1' 20''; 
after dinner embarked for home in my Bateau; the 



286 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Governors and other gentlemen embarking before 
dinner, in the sloop. Overtook them at Button 
Mould Bay and went aboard the sloop, where dinner 
being just served up, I dined with them; there being 
little or no wind, tarried with them 4 or 5 hours, and 
then pushed off in my boat for home, where I arrived 
about one in the morning, found all well. — GilUland. 

1776 Arnold's fleet was anchored off Isle La Motte 

from this date to the 17th. 

1842 The Champlain Academy opened with Mr. 

Azariah Hyde as principal and Miss Frances Lynde 
" in charge of the female department." The building 
was erected the same year. Silas Hubbell, Noadiah 
Moore, Nathan Wells, Jabez Fitch, J. M. Burrows, J. 
C. Hubbell, Robert Stetson, Lovel Dunning, Joel 
Savage, D. C. Hitchcock, Ezekiel Brisbane and D. T. 
Moore were the first trustees. 

1907 The members of the two commissions, including 

the Governor of New York, the Governor of Vermont, 
and a few guests, left Hotel Champlain in the morn- 
ing on two yachts. Valcour Island first claimed their 
attention and then, passing northward, they reached 
in turn Crab Island, Cumberland Bay, Cumberland 
Head, Point au Fer, Windmill Point, and " made 
their first landing at Sandy Point, on Isle la Motte 
the site of the first French settlement in the Valley.' 
Here, the commissioners dined at the home of Hon 
Nelson W. Fisk, thence going to Burlington where 
the remainder of the day was spent. 

1909 Acceptance of a deed from the Hon. J. B. Riley 

conveying to the city of Plattsburgh, a plot of land 
for a public street running north from Riley to Boyn 
ton avenue, about 305 feet east of Oak street, to be 
named " Lozier Place." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 287 

SEPTEMBER 8 

1687 Gov. Dongan, of New York, in a letter to the 

king, proposed to build a fort at Corlear's Lake (Lake 
Champlain), at the pass in the lake 150 miles north 
from Albany (Chimney Point). Corlear, in whose 
honor the English and Dutch named the lake, had 
been very kind to captive French and had ransomed 
them from the Mohawks and returned them to Canada. 
He was drowned in the lake a little north of Otter 
Creek, on his way to visit Courcelles in Canada. 

1755 Dieskau with a force of 1,200 Indians and Cana- 

dians defeats 1,000 Provincials under Col. Ephraim 
Williams, who is killed, while his faithful ally, 
Hendrick, the Mohawk sachem, is mortally w^ounded. 
Later, Dieskau himself is wounded, defeated and 
taken prisoner by the Provincials under Lyman, the 
successor of the wounded Johnson. Johnson wasted 
the rest of the season in building Fort William Henry, 
a pile of wooden barracks. 

1760 Murray's army encamped northeast of Montreal 

and Haviland arrived with his command from Lake 
Champlain on the same day. There was now a force 
of 16,000 men assembled under the walls of the de- 
fenseless city, and the same day " the Marquis de 
Vaudreuil signed the capitulation which severed 
Canada from France forever." 

1767 Died near Paris, on the anniversary of his defeat 

and capture by the English at Lake George twelve 
years before, Ludwig August Dieskau, a German 
general in the service of France. 

1814 The Vermont militia have begun to come. Cap- 

tain Farsworth, of St. Albans, with his rifle company. 



288 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

ninety-six strong, have just arrived. This is a fine 
and noble corps. 

Evening. — Generals Macomb and Mooers, and 
Commodore Macdonough were together this evening, 
in consultation, the result of which is that I am once 
more compelled to put the whole corps of Rangers in 
motion, — Williams. 

1828 Margaret Griffin, daughter of Jonathan Griffin, 

and a student at the Academy, died. The following 
is an extract from a poem written at the time, sup- 
posedly by little Margaret Davidson, then only 7 or 
8 years old. 

TO MARGARET. 

And is it thus — and is it thus, 

We're doomed thy sainted form to see? 

Oh! desolating thought for us, 

Oh! sweet and blessed sleep for thee. 

Not long ago, thy blue eyes met 

The fading sun when evening spread, 

Its lines of light; — 

****** 

The autumnal flowers look smiling on, 
There's life and joy in field and wood; 

Yet she who waked their smiles is gone; 
We wander forth in solitude. 

1 84 1 Mr. Charles T. Piatt was promoted to commander. 

Since he became a lieutenant in 1820, he has been on 
duty on the Guerierre, the Shark, with Commodore 
Porter on the Beagle; then on the Java, and lastly, 
on the St. Louis. In 1838 he was engaged on the 
light-house service. 

1907 Members of the commission went by steamer to 

Crown Point, where they found, " in a most interest- 
ing state of preservation, not only the ruins of British 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 289 

military constructions, but of the earlier French out- 
lines." This site is now the property of Mr. Fred 
Nadeau. At Ticonderoga, visited later, interesting 
ruins reminding one of French, EngHsh and American 
occupation, are found. Since 181 8, this territory, 
including some five hundred acres with the ruins and 
fortifications, have been in the Pell family, Mr. Wil- 
liam Pell having purchased the site from Columbia 
and Union Colleges. 

SEPTEMBER 9 

1766 — mustered up all my men and set out, all being 

armed for my lower tract opposite Isle Valcour, in 
order to build a possession house, at the River St. 
Aranack, or Cragan river) and to oppose Mr. Freden- 
burgh, should he attempt to make encroachments 
there; arrived there this evening. — Gilliland. 

1814 Prevost was now busily engaged in bringing up 

his battering trains and suppHes; erecting batteries 
and otherwise preparing for the siege. The Americans 
had already burned fifteen or sixteen buildings on 
the north side of the river which afforded protection 
to the enemy ; also, their own barracks and hospitals 
near the forts, while their sick and convalescent 
had been removed to Crab Island, where those who 
were able manned a battery mounting two six pound- 
ers. Skirmishes with the enemy at the two bridges 
and at the different forts along the river were fre- 
quent. During the day, Allen, Travis and Williams 
of Aiken's Volunteers came near being captured or 
killed by a guard of the enemy, while securing sup- 
plies from a barn within the enemy's lines. That 
night was dark and stormy. Williams says: — 

A corps of the regular troops, under Captain MacGlassin, 
about II o'clock, crossed the Saranac, and stormed, at the point 



2go Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

of the bayonet, a bomb-battery of the enemy, near Weight's 
printing office. My brother John was the leader of this detach- 
ment , and was the cause of the death of the engineer of the bat tery . 
Having accomphshed the duty assigned them, they returned to 
the forts whence they had issued, with honor and victory." 

1829 William Thorne, from whom Thome's Corners 

is named, died, aged 60. He was from England 
originally, but came to Plattsburgh with Dr. John 
Miller, whose wife's niece, Susan Mitchell, he had 
married in Poughkeepsie. Her sister Sally married 
a Borland of Troy, for years proprietor of the Mansion 
House in that city. Another sister, Margaret, was 
the wife of Isaac Smith of Federal Stores on the Hud- 
son. Mrs. Thorne survived until April 20, 1859, 
reaching the age of 88. She was biiried beside her 
husband in the cemetery at West Plattsburgh. 

SEPTEMBER 10 

The waves of the lake were laving the variegated shrubbery 
which adorned its banks. The beautiful islands were peacefully 
reclining upon its bosom, and the blue mountains rising in grand 
succession beyond, lent a degree of sublimity to the scene. 

— Mrs. Davidson. 

1755 — this morning set four hands about building 

the house whilst myself with the others, proceeded to 
the Congress, for settHng the Latd at Wind Mill 
Point, having brought 3 shoats, some salmon and a 
fat calf for the Governors, who thankfully received 
them, being almost out of fresh provisions ; arrived 
at the Congress this evening pretty late. — GilHland. 

1787 The Commissioners of the Land Office passed an 

order, setting apart a large tract of land for those 
refugees from Canada and Nova Scotia, who, during 
the Revolution, had sided with the United States, 
and had now established themselves on the shore of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 291 

Lake Champlain, mostly in Chazy and Champlain, 
to escape British persecution. Gen. Moses Hazen, 
who had been in command of the regiment to which 
most of those patriots had belonged, settled at Point 
Au Roche (now Beekmantown) but then (1786) 
known as Hazenburgh. Among these refugees were 
Col. Edward Antill, County Judge in 1789, Capt. 
Antoine Paulinte, Lieuts. Alex. Friot, Francis Monty, 
Andre Pepin, Louis Gosselin, Amable Boilleau, 
Francis Wilmot, McPherson, and Theodore Chartier, 
an Indian interpreter, Pierre Ayotte, John Baptiste 
La Frombois and many others. 

1813 Col. James Bellows, a soldier in the Revolution 
under Arnold at Saratoga and in other battles of 
that campaign, died in Fairfax, Vt., to which he had 
removed from Hartford, Conn. The same day at 
Robinson's Inn, Chazy, was born the first child of 
Lewis S. and Hannah (Eldred) Robinson — a boy — 
named a few days later by Eleazer Williams (who 
chanced to come to the house to communicate with 
his Rangers) for himself, Eleazer Williams Robinson, 
promising that the child should share his gold. 

1814 The entire British fleet was now anchored off 
the south end of Isle La Motte, where the gun-boats, 
under Capt. Pring, had been since the 7th. Com. 
Downie arrived the 8th and the British officers now 
took possession of the stone house built by Samuel 
Fisk, still standing. Macdonough's fleet had been 
anchored a little north of Blanchard's Point previous 
to the first of the month, but soundings made with 
reference to an engagement there proving unsatis- 
factory, the fleet had withdrawn to Cumberland Bay. 

1833 At the Phoenix Hotel, Whitehall, a meeting of 

delegates from Clinton, Essex and Washington 



292 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

counties was held for the purpose of " deliberating 
upon the propriety of petitioning the Legislature for 
aid in opening a road (not a railroad) on the western 
margin of Lake Champlain, leading from Whitehall 
to the Canada line." It was resolved to petition the 
Legislature. The chairman of the meeting was 
Melancton Wheeler with Richard D. Arthur and D. 
B. McNeil, Secretaries. 

SEPTEMBER 11 

1783 Mr. Mooers had now cleared up a small field 

near his house, which he sowed to wheat and turnips. 

1803 Birth of Samuel Boardman, youngest son of 

Hezekiah, a brother of Benjamin. Samuel became 
a merchant and built the sandbar bridge from Milton 
to Grand Isle, Vt. He died in 1853. 

At early morn in Cumberland Bay, 
Four gallant ships at anchor lay, 
The Saratoga, the Eagle grey, 
Preble and Ticonderoga they 
And now along the western shore 
Slowly sail down as many more, 
; The Confiance the Linnet gay. 

The Finch, the Chubb that day 
Destined to be the Eagle's prey. 

1814 A few minutes before 9, Downie gave the signal 

for the squadron to advance. In the momentary 
hush before the battle, Macdonough with his officers 
about him, knelt upon the deck of his flagship and 
repeated the prayer appointed by the Church to be 
said before a fight at sea. A moment more and the 
carnage had begun. Downie fell early in the fight 
but the battle raged for two hours and twenty 
minutes, when the British colors were hauled 

• * down. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 



293 




294 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

The veterans from Trafalgar 
Declared that naught but mimic war 
Compared with this, which left no spar 
" But splints for matches;" naught but rags 
For proudly waving battle flags. 

One out of seven, who fought that day 

Dying, or dead, or wounded lay, 

Stansbury, Carter, Banks, of ours 

And Gamble fell, wrecked by the showers 

Of iron hail; and there all pale 

Lay Downie, Jackson, Gunn and Paul 

And Anderson; brave foeman all. 

— Mrs. Palmer. 

Macdonough wrote to the Hon. W. Jones, Sec 
of the Navy. — "The Almighty has been pleased to 
grant us a signal victory on Lake Champlain in the 
capture of one frigate, one brig and two sloops of 
war of the enemy." 

At the beginning of the battle on the bay, the 
enemy had opened his batteries on our forts and the 
fighting continued in different quarters nearly all 
day. But as night fell no time was lost by the van- 
quished foe in making their escape as best they could 
over the muddy and nearly impassable roads north- 
ward. 

1843 The Anniversary of the battle of Plattsburgh 

was celebrated in an appropriate manner by the Clin- 
ton County Military Association and the citizens of 
Plattsburgh and vicinity. General Wool and suite, 
with others who were in the Battle were present by 
special invitation. At lo o'clock the procession 
formed at Fouquet's hotel with Gen. C. Halsey, as 
Chief Marshal, assisted by Messrs. C. S. Mooers, G. 
W. Palmer, and R. G. Stone, escorted by the U. S. 
Troops then at this post, under command of Capt. 
C. A. Waite, and moved to the Park in front of the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 295 

Court House, where Col. A. C. Moore delivered a 
patriotic address. 

At the cemetery, the Troops and Military Associ- 
ation formed a square around the unmarked graves 
of those who fell in the battle. After prayer by Dr. 
Witherspoon and an address by Gen. Skinner, Col. 
McNeil, the president of the day, introduced in turn 
Gen. Wool, Judge Wm. Haile, Colonels Miller and 
Manly, Maj. Gen. Skinner, and Piatt R. Halstead 
and Springer, both late lieutenants of the U. S. Army, 
each of whom erected at the graves assigned to them, 
the marble monuments provided by the Association. 
Dr. Witherspoon dismissed the assembly with a 
benediction and the procession returned to the hotel, 
where dinner was served, followed by speeches and 
toasts. 

Brig.-general Wool, U. S. Army, — The Hero of Beekman- 
town as well as Queenstown — " His laurels are green, though 
his locks are gray." — Toast offered by General Skinner. 

1874 On the anniversary of the battle of Plattsburgh, 

in which he had participated, the Hon. Bela Edger- 
ton, died at the home of his eldest son, the Hon. 
Alfred P. Edgerton of Fort Wayne, Ind. He had 
lived through the administrations of the Presidents 
from Washington to Grant surviving the wife of his 
youth thirty years. Joseph K. Edgerton of Fort 
Wayne and Lycurgus Edgerton of New York city 
were their sons and the late Mrs. Phebe Barnes of 
Plattsburgh, widow of Dr. M. A. Barnes of Schuyler 
Falls, their daughter. 

1909 Saranac Chapter was entertained at luncheon by 

Mrs. George Smith of Keeseville. To this same house 
which he had just built, Reuben Hayes brought his 
bride, Elsie Fuller (daughter of the Revolutionary 
soldier, Ignatius Fuller of Salem, Mass.) in 1828. 



296 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

This too, was the home of Judge Fisk, where Presi- 
dent Van Buren was given a reception, and later, 
Daniel Dodge made it his home. After the luncheon, 
anecdotes of the battle connected with their ancestors 
were told by members of the chapter. 



SEPTEMBER 12 

Ho for the bending sheaves, 
Ho for the crimson leaves 
Flaming in splendor! 

— Buckham. 

1756 We have learned that a party of English Indians, 

having been discovered at Point SqueSonton (Cum- 
berland Head), in Lake Champlain, was pursued; 
two Englishmen had been taken and conveyed to 
Carillon; the others escaped. — Paris Documents. 

1 765 — this day w4th all the above mentioned (mowers, 
haymakers and road clearers) returned from the 
meadows, having finished the making of the com- 
pany's hay, it being put up in tramp cocks. 

— Gilliland. 

1766 — went to River La Cole, and settled with 
EHakim Ayers, George Hicks, John King, Moses 
Dixon and Martin Taylor, who acknowledge their 
account, by me exhibited in the presence of their 
overseer, Mr. Alvis. — Idem. 

1792 Sophia Moore, daughter of Judge Moore, was 

born in Champlain. Her sister Anna, two years 
older, was the first child born of American parents in 
the town. For his daughters. Judge Moore, in 1810 
or 181 1, bought the first piano — in the form of a 
harpsichord. Sophia married Thomas Whiteside, 
Supervisor, 181 7-1 820; 182 2-1 631. It was to visit 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 297 

Mrs. Whiteside that Margaret O. Savage, daughter 
of James Savage of Chatham, first came to Lake 
Champlain. 

1807 Judge Zephaniah Piatt, the patroon of Platts- 

burgh, died in his homestead overlooking the lake. 
His remains were placed in the family burial ground 
near by, whence, on the laying out of Jay street in 
181 1, they were removed to the village cemetery. As 
a landowner, Judge Piatt was pre-eminent, having 
large holdings in Dutchess, Herkimer, Tioga, Oneida, 
Warren, Essex, Franklin and Clinton counties, one 
purchase alone in Tioga amounting to 5,000 acres 
and his property in Clinton county aggregating 
117,760 acres. All this was scrupulously divided 
among his surviving children. 

" Through the course of a long and active life, which I can 
truly say has had the welfare of my country and my children for 
its chief object, I have had my eyes fixed on the mutability to 
which everything is subject." 

— Judge Zephaniah Piatt to his oldest son. 

1814 Commodore Macdonough caused the wounded 

to be removed to his own hospital on Crab Island 
and there, south of the hospital tents, the dead of 
both armies were buried in trenches together. The 
same day the Vermont volunteers returned home. 

SEPTEMBER 13 

1 766 — finding the weather continue rainy and cloudy 

and that there was no likelihood of the latitude being 
soon determined, and Mrs. GilHland being past her 
reckoning, took my leave of the Governor, who 
promised me his friendship, and that he would visit 
us on his return, and pushed off for Cragen river where 
arrived late this night, raised all the men to hang a 



208 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

door on the house, and fasten, which they did, and 
thereby finished it. — Gilliland. 

18 1 4 The New York mihtia were disbanded and the 

most severely wounded of the enemy were paroled 
and sent to the Enghsh hospital at Isle aux Noix. 
This day the body of Lieut. Stansbury, who mysteri- 
ously disappeared from the Ticonderoga during the 
action, rose to the surface of the water, and was 
found to have been " cut in two with a round shot." 
He was a son of Gen. T. E. Stansbury. 

1842 At Keeseville, under the weight and measured 

tread of a company of soldiers attending a " general 
muster " of a battalion of the State militia, the new 
suspension bridge, nearly finished, gave way precipi- 
tating spectators and soldiers into the raging waters 
beneath. Nine persons lost their lives, among them, 
two little friends, eight-year-old sons of Martin Pope 
and Richard Peabody. The bodies were found the 
next spring near the lake and were laid in one grave. 

ONLY A STEP. 

Only a step between life and death — 
Length of a heartbeat, span of a breath: 
Think of it, soul — ^but an instant's flight 
From here and now to the judgment light: 

— Buckham . 

1888 Death of the Hon. Ira Hill of Isle La Motte, who 

had lived in the administration of every President of 
the United States to that of McKinley. As a very 
yoimg man he had witnessed the murder of his father 
and had himself barely escaped at the hands of a 
band of desperadoes from the American fleet who 
afterwards fled the country. A few days before the 
battle he was apprehended and brought before Capt, 
Pring who tried to induce him to sign a paper of al- 



Three Cexturies ix Champlaix Valley 299 

legiance to His Majesty and also to reveal the place 
of concealment of some munitions of war belonging to 
Vermont militia but Hill, by playing the fool and 
being very youthful in appearance, escaped. He 
afterwards crossed the lake and made his way three 
miles back, securing intelligence from the enemy for 
his Col. (Mix). 



SEPTEMBER 14 

1766 Mr. Gilliland arrived at Willsborough in the 

afternoon with a birch canoe found on Cumberland 
Head. 

1814 The remains of the lamented Gamble, Stansbury, 

Carter and Barron were placed in separate boats, 
manned by crews from their respective vessels. The 
sad procession then moved to the Confiance, where 
the British officers joined them with their dead. 
At the lakeshore the funeral party was met by a large 
concourse of soldiers and ci\ilians and, as the proces- 
sion slowly wended its way to the village cemetery, 
minute guns were fired from the fort. In the centre 
of that peaceful spot, friend and foe were laid to rest, 
the flags for which each had fought, furnishing a pall. 

SEPTEMBER 15 

1756 " Our 6 regiments are at present arrived at Caril- 

lon with 1,000 to 1,200 Colonial troops, 300 Canadians 
and nearly 700 Indians, and should the enemy set out 
to attack us, 2,000 Regulars and Canadians wiU, on 
the first signal, be commanded to repair to St. John, 
where bateaux will be in readiness to transport them. 
* * From Fort Chambly the portage is 

made with carts about 30 arpents, and thence in 
bateaux to St. John — * * Fort Carillon 



300 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

is completed; it is represented as a great affair and 
capable of being rendered bomb-proof; 'tis provided 
with 30 pieces of cannon and a year's provisions for 
a garrison of 1,000 men. — Paris Doc. 

1757 Birth of Nathan Beman, son of Samuel Beman of 

or Simsbury, Conn. He removed with his father's family 

'59 to Shoreham, Vt. and after the war Hved in Ferris- 

burgh for a time before coming to Chateaugay. 

1775 WilHam A. Griswold was born at New Marlboro, 

Mass. whence, at the age of ten he removed with his 
father's family to Bennington. After graduation 
from Dartmouth College, he established himself as a 
lawyer at Danville, Vt. and soon acquired a large 
practice. In 1807 he was elected to the legislature 
and warmly supported the bill for the establishment 
of a state prison, urging the abandonment of the 
branding iron, pillory and whipping post. He was 
also an active supporter of the war (181 3 and 181 4). 
In 1 84 1, he was elected to the legislature from Bur- 
lington to which he had removed and where he re- 
mained until his death in 1846. 

1814 The English prisoners w^ho were able, left Platts- 

burgh for Greenbush, N. Y. by steamboat in charge 
of Capt. White Youngs. 

1898 Return to Plattsburgh Barracks of the remnant 

of the gallant 21st U. S. infantry and arrival of a 
large number of convalescents from other regiments. 
For the first the citizens furnished a dinner on their 
arrival and, with the help of individuals and other 
chapters and societies, Saranac Chapter for the sick 
provided soup, delicacies, home made bread, and 
the services of a trained nurse in the weeks that 
followed. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 301 

SEPTEMBER 16 

1775 General Schuyler still suffering from the results 

of a bilious fever and rheumatism, was obliged to 
give up all thought of leading the invasion into Canada 
and in a covered boat set out for Ticonderoga, about 
an hour from Isle aux Noix, meeting with Warner 
and 170 Green Mountain Boys. 

1810 Death, at the residence of Col. Hawkins, agent 

for Indian Affairs in the Creek department, Crawford 
county, Georgia, of the Rev. Ichabod Ebenezer Fisk 
of Isle La Motte. He was buried on the east side of 
the Flint river near the old agency. Originally from 
Milford, Conn, and a graduate of Yale, 1770, Mr. 
Fisk went from Poultney, Vt. to Isle La Motte in 
1788 as a young surveyor. For his services he re- 
ceived 100 acres of land still in the hands of his 
descendants. He taught the first school on the Island 
before 1802, was ordained a minister in the P. E. 
church and was the author of an English grammar in 
verse. His wife, Eleanor (Roberts) Fisk died the 
preceding year and was buried on the Island. 

1812 Macdonough, after a four days' journey on 

horseback, attended only by a boy who was to return 
the horse, arrived at Burlington. 

Eleazer Williams returns to Plattsburgh after a 
trip to Chateaugay, Turner's Inn and French Mills 
(where he had a secret conference with the Indian 
chiefs whom he harangued and to whom he gave 
money, obtaining promises of adherence to the Ameri- 
can cause). On his return he despatched a confiden- 
tial messenger to Sault St. Louis and had a conference 
with Gen. Bloomfield in which " we agreed that if we 
can bring them (the British Indians) over to the 
American side, it is proper and justifiable." 



302 

1865 



1877 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Paul Marshall, a native of Hinesburgh, Vt., died 
at Plattsbiirgh, where he had carried on a large 
mercantile business for many years. His old home 
on Cornelia street, of cut Hmestone and several busi- 
ness blocks of the same stone, still stand, reminding 
one of his extensive real estate holdings. While 
young, he settled in Beekmantown with his father 
and there engaged in the tanning business, continu- 
ing the same after his removal to Plattsburgh. 




TRUMAN DE FORRIS, M. D. 

Death of Dr. Truman DeForris at the age of 76, 
one of the oldest and best beloved physicians of 
Plattsburgh. He was largely instrumental in the 
formation of the Northern New York Medical Associa- 
tion, at one time serving as President. He was also 
a member of the Clinton County Medical Society. 
The saddle-bags used by him in the early days of his 
practice are still preserved and contain medicines 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 303 

compoiinded more than eighty years ago. The M. E. 
church at South Plattsburgh was organized as a result 
of the Sunday-school which he started there and he 
never allowed his large practice to interfere with his 
church obligations. From his wedding day he was 
strictly a total abstinence man. 

SEPTEMBER 17 

The leaves along the path are strewn, 
Or through the still air flicker down. 

— Btickham. 

1755 " At evening," Rogers " discovered the wheat- 

fields, and four houses, about two miles south of 
Crown Point Fort." He went into the intrench- 
ments where he remained concealed until morning, 
when he climbed the mountain, a mile west of the fort , 
from which he could see the fort and everything con- 
nected with it, among other sights, a windmill and 
tents; also, the exercising of about 600 soldiers. 

1768 Birth in Preston, Conn., of Benjamin, son of 

Joseph and Rachel (Killam) Boardman. Benjamin, 
seeing from the increased immigration to the Cham- 
plain Valley that a necessity for better boats would 
arise, in 1788 came from Norwich, Conn., bringing 
with him a skilled boat-builder, Daniel Wilcox by 
name. The boats built by Wilcox were of a superior 
model and his services were at once in great demand. 
Boardman 's wife was Sabra Brown and they had 
twelve children. The father died in Colchester, Vt. 
in 1823 and his widow, some years later. 

1862 The battle of Antietam. In the morning, as 

Lieut. -Col. John Stetson of the 59th New York 
(formerly captain of Company E, i6th N. Y.) with 
his regiment was leaving the field in obedience to 



304 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the orders of Gen. Sumner, he was shot through the 
body, his remains being left in the hands of the enemy 
until the 19th, when they were found and buried by 
Maj. Frank Palmer, his fellow townsman and friend. 
"Rally on your colors." — Thelast wordsof Col. Stetson. 

1863 At BurHngton, " in the home which he had built, 

under the shadow of the trees which his own hand 
had reared" within sight of the University where the 
main work of his life had been done, "and directly 
facing that magnificent scenery of lake, mountain 
and sky " so dear to him, Calvin Pease, D.D. " died 
as a good man dies, thinking of his personal relations 
to his Savior, of his family, and of the precious souls 
committed to his charge as pastor." 

1909 Vermont Fish and Game League held their 

annual meeting and banquet at Hotel Champlain, 
Vice-President Sherman and United States Supreme 
Court Justice Brewer being special guests of honor. 

SEPTEMBER 18 

Nature has already begun her marvelous frescoing and tesse- 
lating process in the leaves of the trees and the herbage of meadow 
and marshes. — Buckhmn. 

1765 — employed Wm. Lawson, mason, to build a 
double chimney in my house at Milltown. — Gilliland. 

1766 — brought a cock of hay from south meadow, 
the first this season; this day G. Belton moved to 
his house at Cloven Rock. — Idem. 

1775 Montgomery had a slight skirmish with the 

enemy and later, " formed an entrenched camp at 
the junction of the roads leading from Montreal and 
Chamblv." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 305 

1810 Death of Cornelia Haring, wife of Col. Mel- 

ancton Smith and daughter of Dr. Gardner Jones of 
New York. For his young wife Col. Smith had 
named the new street running west from Margaret, 
Cornelia, and Elizabeth street for his sister Elizabeth. 



SEPTEMBER 19 

Take a single autumn leaf — the first red oriflamme of this 
maple, for instance — and study the texture of the coloring — 

— Buckham. 

1677 Quentin Stockwell, while re -building his house 

burned by Indians the year before, was seized and 
carried, with 17 others, captive to Canada. At 
Chambly, they were kindly treated by the French 
who gave them hasty-pudding and milk with brandy 
and bathed their frozen limbs. From Sorel they were 
scattered among the Indians but the next year, all 
but three were redeemed. Stockwell, in 1679, re- 
removed from Hatfield to Suffield, Conn. 

1765 — set out on a survey, and layed out the follow- 

ing lots of land between the Bouquet river, and Cloven 
rock, and adjoining the lake.— ^illiland. 

1776 Arnold removed his fleet from Isle La Motte to 

Bay St. Amand. While on the way, the schooner 
Liberty was hailed by a Canadian on the shore who 
asked to be taken aboard. Capt. Premier, fearing 
all was not right, ordered his men to go with a boat 
but to keep her swivels pointed and matches ready to 
fire if necessary. The man failing to decoy the boat's 
crew, made a signal which brought from concealment 
some 300 Canadians and Indians, who fired upon the 
crew and wounded three. The fire was returned 
from boat and schooner, apparently with effect as the 
party retreated. 



2o6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1811 Sloop Essex, Anthony Rock, Abraham Walters, 

Joseph Barron, Le\y Nichols, masters, made her 
sixth and last trip for the season. 

1816 Mr. Young of Albany opened a Lancasterian 

school in the Academy in addition to the one com- 
menced the preceding July by Mr. Spencer Wall, for 
whom Wall street is named. The trustees that year 
were Nathan Hewitt, M. L. Woolsey, Wm. Swetland, 
J. Lynde, E. Miller, S. Moore, and John Miller. The 
same day the remains of Lieut. George W, Runk, so 
severely wounded during the siege of Plattsburgh, 
while passing Macomb's headquarters, that he died 
the next day (Sept. 8), were removed from Crab 
Island, their first burial place, to the village cemetery. 

1888 At "Rock Point," a handsome stone building for 

a girls' school was consecrated and continued in use 
until June, 1899 when it was closed for want of funds 
to maintain it properly. 

— The eye along this shore, 
May gaze entranced, nor covet more; 
— Charles Louis Heyde, poet-artist of Burlington. 

SEPTEMBER 20 

So, I think, we shall be justified in leaving our notebooks 
at home in September, and just abandoning ourselves to the 
influence of nature upon the spirit. — Buckham. 

1755 —this day Sr. Henry Moore, Col. Reid, Philip 

Schuyler, Robert Harper and Adolphus Benzel, Esq's, 
called and drank tea, &c., with us on their return 
from Astronomer's Island, having completed their 
observation to satisfaction, and fixed the Hne about 
3 miles to the northward of Wind Mill Point. This 
day George Belton sowed his first wheat. — GilUland. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 307 

1814 At Hampton, Washington Co., whither his 

father's family had moved because of the anticipated 
invasion, was born Peter Sailly Palmer, named for 
his maternal grandfather. The home in Plattsbtirgh 
stood just west of a ravine, through which the railroad 
now passes (No. 2 Cornelia street). Young Palmer 
received his education at Plattsburgh Academy, 
studied law with Judge William F. Haile and in the 
office of McKown and John Van Buren of Albany, 
and was admitted to the Supreme Court and Court of 
Chancery in 1836. With the exception of a few years' 
absence in Michigan, his life work was done in Platts- 
burgh, to the interests of which he was ever faithful, 

1868 While performing the duty of a surgeon in an 

expedition against the Indians under Col. Forsythe, 
John Henry Mooers, M.D. w^as killed. His father, 
Dr. Benj. J. Mooers, was engaged in the same work 
at the battle of Plattsburgh. 

1877 Capt. John Boynton died in Plattsburgh, where 

he had settled about 1820. As early as 1806 he was 
engaged in sailing on the lake and later was the 
builder and owner of many vessels, some of which 
played a very important part in the war of 181 2. At 
the commencement of hostilities Capt. Boynton had 
one vessel afloat and a second just finished, both of 
which were "seized" and purchased by the government, 
afterwards equipped and added to Macdonough's 
fleet. 

SEPTEMBER 21 

Fly on, aerial Fancy! fly 

Back, back through many an age, 

To scenes which long have glided by, 
Untold on history's page. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1714 Arrival at Boston of Capt. Thomas Baker and 

Christine (formerly Margaret Otis) Le Bue, who, as a 



3o8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

baby had been taken captive with her mother Grizel 
(Warren) Otis, when Cocheco (Dover) was attacked 
by Indians, 

1750 (O.S.) Sarah Keese, daughter of John Keese of 

Flushing, L. I. and later of Nine Partners meeting 
was born. She married Joseph Thorne. 

1755 Isaac, son of Benjamin and Comfort (Thompson) 

Kellogg, was born at Canaan, Conn, As a prisoner 
of War at Quebec, he escaped in the dead of winter 
through a trackless wilderness to Burlington. After 
the war he became an early settler in that part of 
Crown Point which is now Ticonderoga, serving as 
first State Senator (from Essex County) of the then 
Eastern District of the State, From 1802 to 181 8 he 
was Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Essex 
County and was also a Captain of Militia. At his 
death, Sept. 7, 1827, his wrists still bore the scars 
caused by the irons placed there by his British captors. 
His three children died young. 

1766 Jane Willsborough Gilliland, was bom this even- 

ing between 8 and 9 o'clock; * * Capt. 
Wharton being then here — Gilliland. 

1776 Arnold wrote to Gates of the affair at Bay St. 

Amand. 

SEPTEMBER 22 

And all the fields were golden, 
And all the woods were gold, 

For God hath scattered treasures 
From riches manifold. 

— Minnie E. Hayes, Mooers Forks, 

1814 The paroled British prisoners arrived at Green- 

bush. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 309 

1894 Dedication at Culver Hill of the first monument 

erected as a memorial of the British invasion of 1814. 
After the removal of the U.S. flag with which the shaft 
was draped by Miss Helen D. Woodward of Platts- 
burgh and Miss Julia G. Howe of Beekmantown, both 
descendants of men who fought in the battle of Platts- 
burgh, Dr. D. S. Kellogg, President of the Platts- 
burgh Institute, the society erecting the memorial, 
introduced the Hon. G. C. Benedict of Burlington, 
the orator of the day. 

" As Culver Hill skirmish was only a forerunner of the great 
and decisive battle five days later, so Culver Hill monument is 
only an outline of the grand shaft which this great and rich 
Government will surely raise in due time at Plattsburgh, on the 
shore of Lake Champlain, less than five miles from the Battle of 
Valcour, Oct. 11, 1776, and less than two miles from the Battle of 
Plattsburgh, Sept. 11, 1814 — the first and last battles of the 
United States with the " Mother Country." — 

— Speech of Mr. Benedict on that occasion. 

SEPTEMBER 23 

But some things, Brothers, little change: 

That silver lake is all the same. 
And lofty mountain range 

Unaltered since the white man came 
And shared its solitude 
With Indian rude. 

— Rev. O. G. Wheeler. 

1776 Arnold, having found the anchorage of the chan- 

nel between Valcour Island and the main land " ex- 
ceedingly fine and secure," moved his fleet there and 
was, in a few days, joined by Capt. Warner of the gal- 
ley Trumbull. 

1814 At three o'clock p. m., a naval dinner at Green's 

hotel was tendered Commodore Macdonough by the 
grateful citizens of Plattsburgh. The Commodore, ac- 
companied by Generals Macomb and Mooers, and 



3IO Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

officers of the army and navy then present, was 
escorted from Macomb's quarters to the hotel by the 
president and vice-president of the day (Peter Sailly, 
Esq. and the Hon. WilHam Bailey) ; the Hon. Henry 
Delord, and John Warford, Lewis Ransom and Wil- 
liam Swetland, Esqrs., the committee of arrange- 
ments; the judge and sheriff of the county and other 
prominent citizens. On the way a national salute 
was given and after the cloth was removed, many 
toasts were drunk amid the booming of cannon and 
strains of martial music furnished by Macomb's band. 

"OUR COUNTRY— May she be the first and greatest ob- 
ject of our concern — for her sake let honor be given to her heroes 
and defenders" — First toast of the hour. 

18i6 Nicholas Barker, a Friend of Peru, before Reuben 

H. Walworth, J. P., claimed damages for the impress- 
ment of one sleigh and harness, while he was attend- 
ing church in Peru " some time in March, 1813." 

1826 Elder John G. Freligh died at his home on the 

east side of Peru street, next the Mooers house and 
opposite the old home of Dr. Herrick. This Freligh 
house was built and first occupied by Noah Broad- 
well. In 181 7, " Squire " Freligh kept a store in the 
building (now standing) at the corner of Bridge and 

s Peru streets. There Gustavus Vasa Edwards from So. 

Plattsburgh, grandson of the veteran John Roberts, 
went to work when a boy of 13, beginning, what 
proved to be a long and successful mercantile life. 

SEPTEMBER 24 

How strange the structure of the human heart, 
Which springs anew 'neath sorrow's quivering dart ; 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1809 At New Haven, Addison Co., Vt., Esther Bacon, 

wife of Capt. Preserved Wheeler, died leaving two 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 311 

daughters and six sons, the youngest an infant. This 
was a crowning sorrow to three years of unprece- 
dented hardship, during which his cattle had died 
from hoof disease, fever had stricken several members 
of his family, a broken leg had kept him confined one 
summer, fire had consumed his shop and a thousand 
dollars worth of leather ready for market, all seriously 
crippling him financially, but "he persevered with 
all diligence to retrieve his fortune " and died in 
1856, leaving sons and daughters who, "having the 
habits and spirits of their parents " have prospered 
in all ways. Preserved Wheeler was a son of Peter, 
killed July 3, 1778, in the Wyoming valley massacre. 
Only nine years old at the time, with mother and 
brothers he wandered 300 miles before reaching their 
former home. His name should have been Perse- 
verance ! 

1878 Jacob H. Holt proposed that the goverment 

should lay out a pubHc Park, of 20,000 acres or more 
between the village of Plattsburgh and the U. S. 
barracks, enclosing and beautifying the same and 
erecting a monument which should bear on the west 
side the name of Macomb and on the east, that of 
Macdonough, the several sides to be inscribed with 
the names of those who had distinguished themselves 
in the defence of Plattsburgh. 

SEPTEMBER 25 

I love our Autumn's bright array, 

Its swiftly changing \news: 
The birches yellow, the beeches gray, 

The maple's crimson hues. 
— Rev. Orville Gould Wheeler, Charlotte, 18 — South Hero, 1892. 

1775 At Ticonderoga the troops were crowded in vile 

barracks and, though provisions, fresh and salt, and 



312 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

spruce beer were plentiful, tents and hospital stores 
were lacking, and 726 men had been discharged since 
July 20 on account of illness. The same day Allen, 
rashly attempting the capture of Montreal with a 
handful of Canadian recruits, w^as captured and sent 
to England in irons. 

1776 The adjourned convention met again at Dorset 

and " resolved unanimously ' to take suitable meas- 
ures, as soon as may be, to declare the New Hamp- 
shire grants a free and separate district." In 
January following there was a meeting at West- 
minster and a declaration and petition to Congress 
drawn up and signed. This was presented to Con- 
gress by Jonas Fay, Thomas Chittenden, Heman Allen 
and Reuben Jones, " four of the most respectable 
members of the convention." 

1783 Daniel Robinson and Thankful Sage of Middle- 

town, Conn, were married. June 12th the groom 
had been honorably discharged from the Continental 
army, in which he had enlisted on his eighteenth 
birthday (May 19, 1775). He was the youngest of 
the eight children of Benjamin (great-grandson of 
Elder John Robinson of Leyden) and Jerusha (Bing- 
ham) Robinson. The young couple settled in Platts- 
burgh near the south end of Margaret street. The 
river then teemed with salmon trout and Mr. Robin- 
son became an adept at spearing them from the 
bridge. When the bridge erected about 1797, was car- 
ried away by a freshet, Robinson, who was helping 
remove the machinery, was caught and carried down 
stream as far as Mr. Sailley's ashery, as he said, "on 
the millstone," which was indeed found where he was 
rescued. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 313 

1837 Marion Stetson, daughter of John Smedley and 

Cynthia (Beach) Stetson, was bom at Champlain. 
Her poems were ever a deHght to her friends and are 
treasured by them. 

1842 The " First Roman Catholic Church of the town 

of Pittsburgh " was dedicated by the Right Rev. 
Bishop Hughes. This building stood on a lot pur- 
chased of Judge Palmer on the comer of Corneha and 
River streets, the " red store " on Cumberland 
avenue, fitted up as a chapel, having served for pur- 
poses of worship until that time. 



SEPTEMBER 26 

1776 We had a violent storm of rain, thunder, and 

great flashes of lightning during the night. I often 
thought the tent would take fire. Next morning 
I mounted advance guard four miles above the Island, 
the storm still continuing, and passed a most dis- 
agreeable day and night with scarce any shelter from 
the constant heavy rain. We could there hear their 
evening gun very plainly, and it was proposed in a 
few days to move * * * seven miles 
nearer them. — Digby. 

SEPTEMBER 27 

1776 Had the pleasure of seeing two of our schooners, 

the Maria and Carlton, come up to us from St. Johns.' 
Captain Pringle was appointed Commodore of the 
Lake Champlain and to command on board the 
Maria, so called after Lady Maria Carlton. 

— Digby. 



314 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

' TO A STAR. 

Thou brightly gUttering star of even, 

Thou gem upon the brow of heaven, 

O! were this fluttering spirit free, 

How quick 'twould spreads its wings to thee. 

How calmly, brightly dost thou shine, 
Like the pure lamp in Virtue's shrine: 
Sure the fair world which thou mayst boast 
Was never ransomed, never lost. 

There, beings pure as heaven's own air, 
Their hopes, their joys, together share; 
While hovering angels touch the string. 
And seraphs spread the sheltering wing. 

There cloudless days and brilliant nights, 
Illumined by heaven's refulgent lights; 
There season's, years, unnoticed roll, 
And unregretted by the soul. 

Thou little sparkling star of even, 
Thou gem upon an azure heaven, 
How swiftly will I soar to thee, 
When this imprisoned soul is free: 

— Lucretia Davidson. 

1808 Birth of Lucretia Davidson in the " small, neat 

cottage," with old-fashioned piazza, " shaded with 
vines and honeysuckle " that stood on the banks of 
the Saranac, in the little village of Plattsburgh. 
Lucretia attended the Academy with its cupola 
" representing the Temple of Science surmounted by 
a weather vane, representing an angel blowing the 
trumpet of fame, which was the conception and crea- 
tion of her versatile but eccentric father. Dr. Oliver 
Davidson." This cupola suggested to his eleven-year- 
old daughter the " Allegory of Alphonse in search of 
Learning." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 315 

SEPTEMBER 28 

How gently floats the leaflet down, 
How soft its rustling sound. 

— Wheeler. 

1658 Dominie Megapolensis wrote to the Classis of 

Amsterdam from New Amsterdam where he was 
then settled of the persecution and death of Father 
Jogues during his pastorate at Rensselaerwyck and 
stated that the Mohawks gave to him the Missal, 
Breviary and clothing of the murdered missionary. 

1666 In and about Fort St. Anne were collected 

600 veterans of the famous Carignan-Salieres regi- 
ment, while on the mainland an equal number of 
volunteers, habitants of New France and 100 naked 
and painted savages, Huron and Algonquin warriors, 
were encamped, the savages making night hideous 
with war songs and dances. All were ready to start 
on a punitive expedition under de Tracy, against the 
Mohawks who had broken the treaty made in July at 
Quebec. 

1787 The year and month of the adoption of the 

Constitution, Bela Edgerton, third son of Col. Elisha 
Edgerton, was born at Franklin, New London county. 
Conn. The Rev. Samuel Knott of Union College, 
New York, prepared him for Middlebury College, Vt., 
from which he was graduated in 1809. After teach- 
ing at Vergennes, he became the first principal of 
Plattsburgh Academy, among his pupils present at 
the opening, were his eldest nephew, Henry K. Averill, 
Sr., then a boy of thirteen, and Thomes Miller. After 
the war he taught at Schuyler Falls, Chazy and in the 
basement of the old Methodist church, Plattsburgh, 
He was also a practicing lawyer and magistrate. 



3i6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1895 Green Mountain Chapter, D. A. R. Burlington, 

placed a bronze tablet on a boulder near the site of 
Ethan Allen's last home, near " Indian Rock." 



SEPTEMBER 29 

Yet some bright, sunny peaks there are 
In memory's landscape, which shall peer 
Above the drowning tide, and wear 
Their living light through many a year. 
— Byron Sunderlin, Principal of Port Henry Academy, 1840. 

1827 Birth, at Wilmington, Essex county, N. Y., of 

Van Biiren Miller, son of John Jay and Abigail Miller. 
His grandfather, Pliny Miller, had gone from Albany 
county during the War of 1 81 2 , as a captain under Col. 
Young, and was for a time stationed at French Mills. 
A few years after the war, Capt. Miller returned to 
the wilderness and purchasing 300 acres in what is now 
the center of Saranac village, built a dam and saw 
mill and, at the time of Van Buren's birth was con- 
structing the first bridge across the stream. The 
grandson, in 1858, followed father and grandfather 
into this new country and there he remained until 
his death, June 17, 1894, sought by all whether rich 
or poor, for the transaction of any kind of legal 
business. 

1842 A County Educational Convention was held in 

the Court House, Plattsburgh. At the same place a 
meeting of citizens had been held in June to take into 
consideration the financial condition of the Academy. 
The failure of the Clinton County Bank in July had 
caused general embarrassment and business of every 
kind was much depressed. At the meeting, Andrew 
Moore was appointed Chairman and George W. Palmer 
Secretary, while George Moore, Dr. T. De Forris, 
R. A. Gilman, Judge Haile and Dr. Kane formed a 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 317 

committee to consider and report on the best remedy 
for the situation. In July, a boarding and day school 
for young ladies was opened by Miss C. P. Clark, 
assisted by Miss Harriet A Wright, " in a room 
tendered her by Mr. Swetland in his own residence," 
but the summer term of the Academy opened under 
the supervision of Rev. R. T. Conant, the following 
May. 

SEPTEMBER 30 

1776 Lieut. Digby, who had been ill and delirious 

since the evening of the 27th, recovered his senses 
but had to be left on the island (Isle au Noix) while 
his corps moved up " Riviere-la -Cole." 

1821 An Episcopal Society was informally organized 

in the village of Pittsburgh, but there was no regular 
service of the Church until March, 1822, when the 
Rev. Joel Clapp was called to the rectorship of the 
parish. By this time many of the proprietors and 
original settlers had been gathered to their fathers, 
among them Judge Zephaniah and Capt. Nathaniel 
Piatt, Piatt Rogers, Col. Melancton Smith and his 
father, the Judge, Gideon Rugar and Zopher Halsey. 

1859 On Friday evening, was burned the old Hotel 

Building, once the Village House, kept by John 
Nichols, on the present site of the Witherill House. 
It was a clap-boarded building, painted white, two 
and a half stories high with gables on the north and 
south ends. John Nichols, a native of Massachusetts, 
came to Pittsburgh from Vermont and was interested 
in the building up of the village and an active par- 
ticipant in the war of 181 2, just previous to which 
his brother Levi had come from Waltham, Mass. and 
had settled at Salmon River, where he died in i860 in 
his ninety-third year. 



3i8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



OCTOBER 1 

From now until the last of October we shall dwell in the 
finest art-gallery that was ever opened under the sky. No 
human brush could possibly create, or even imitate, the splendor 
of these autumn colors. — Buckham. 

1666 M. de Courcelles, at the head of four of the six 

hundred veterans of the Carignan-Salieres, the habi- 
tants, and Huron and Algonquin warriors, encamped 
at Fort St. Anne, set out on his expedition against the 
Indian villages on the Mohawk. 

1776 Carleton was prepared to appear upon the lake 

with a formidable fleet of thirty-one vessels, ranging 
in their armament from one to eighteen guns, navi- 
gated by 700 veteran seamen, and armed in addition 
by an efficient corps of artillery. — Watson. 

1780 Gen. Benj. Mooers as adjutant was present and 

saw the execution of Major Andre — a most affecting 
sight, while Major John Addoms, his future father- 
in-law, as well as neighbor on Cumberland Head, was 
detailed to hold the hat of the unfortunate officer. 

1797 The Lord's Supper was for the first time admin- 

istered to the recently organized Presbyterian Church, 
the pioneer church of this section. The members 
were: — Ezekiel Hubbard, John Stratton, Abner Pom- 
roy, William and Mrs. Badlam, Moses Corbin, Eliza- 
beth Addams, Catherine Hegeman, Catherine Marsh, 
Lucretia Miller, Phebe Piatt, Esther Stratton, Mary 
Addams, Stephen and Mrs. Mix, Martha Coe, William 
Pitt Piatt and John Culver. 

1866 In the evening at Trinity Church rectory, Joseph 

Howland Coit, S. T. D., fell asleep in Christ. " Great 
is thy faithfulness — Glory, Glory to God in the 




"^ bpESBYTePiflfi (HliP^^ 



, £P£Cr£D //y /8/4. 



4#ai3S^ 



m ® 









Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 319 

highest." " His last look of recognition was for her 
who was ' faithful unto death,' and to whom he was 
true to the last." 

1907 Presentation to the town of Upper Jay, Essex 

county, N. Y., by Jean (Wells) Smith of Saginaw, 
Mich., of the Wells Memorial Library. 

OCTOBER 2 

There is something sort of cozy when the 

leaves begin to rustle, 
As the boys go tramping through them 

in the hollows of the street. — Biickham. 

1677 Benoni Stebbins, sent by his captors with two 

squaws and a mare to pick huckleberries, escaped on 
the mare and returned to Deerfield. Poor man! 
only to be slain while defending his own house when 
next the savages came. His widow married in 1709 
Dea. Thos. French, whose wife, Mary Catlin, had been 
killed March 9 on the retreat to Canada. 

1712 Esther Wheelwright began her novitiate as an 

Ursuline nun, taking the white veil the January 
following. In 1714 she was invested with the black 
robe and veil and became Mother Esther Marie Joseph 
of the Infant Jesus. 

1801 CaroHne Piatt, oldest child of the Rev. Frederick 

and Letitia (Piatt) Halsey, was born. March 16, 
1820, she married James Bailey, who, in 1798, in 
connection with William Bailey, had built a store 
near the present site of Clinton Block at the head of 
Bridge street. James Bailey's family first lived on 
Cornelia street (No. 32), but later, when the children 
of Eleazer Miller had sought homes of their own and 



320 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the Bailey children were still young, an exchange was 
made. The Millers took the Bailey house and there 
spent their remaining days, and the Baileys removed 
to the large yellow frame house originally built by 
Nathan Averill, Sr., past which Margaret street was, 
years afterwards, continued north. The house was, 
a few years later, bricked up and finally, in 1909, 
taken down. 

1816 At his own request, Capt. John Knight, of the 

2d Company, 2d Regiment, was honorably discharged 
from the service by John Oaks, Brigadier General. 
His commission, given in Council Chamber, Mont- 
pelier, Vt., September 20, 1810, and signed by Gov. 
Jonas Galusha, is still preserved. Capt. Knight was 
born November 11, 1787, on the island of North Hero, 
where his parents, John, Sr., and Abigail (Towne) 
Knight had settled in 1785. He died at the old 
homestead March 16, 1878. 



OCTOBER 3 

1666 The main body of the army at Fort St. Anne, 

led by the aged, but determined, M. de Tracy, 
moved off. 

1 763 3d and 4th — These two days sowed and harrowed 

our wheat. — Gilliland. 

No serf in the field but is sowing God's seed — 

— Buckhatn. 

1838 Joseph Corbin, a pioneer in 1798, died at Cham- 

plain. He was a soldier of the Revolution, enlisting 
at Killingly, Conn., his native place, September 17, 
'76, and at WilHamstown, Mass., to which he had 
removed in the fall of 1778. He also responded to 
the Saratoga alarm, October 11-22, 1781. 



Three Centuries ix Champlaix Valley 321 

1842 The old Revolutionary soldier, John Roberts, 

died at So. Plattsburgh, aged 83 years. 

1866 " In the soft splendor of an autumn afternoon, 

which seemed a kind of natural token of the Resurrec- 
tion," after the remains of Dr. Coit had been com- 
mitted to the earth, each child of the Sunday school 
dropped a floral tribute upon the casket and the 
venerable Canon To\\TLsend of Canada dismissed the 
assembly with the Apostolic Benediction. 

1889 Discover}^ near Trout Brook, in Ticonderoga, by 

a workman digging a trench, of the remains of Lord 
Howe, killed July 6, 1758, together with a stone of 
hard limestone, weighing twenty or twenty-five 
pounds and bearing the inscription: Mem of Lo 
HoweKilled Trout Brook. 

1897 The First Presbyterian Church celebrated the 

Centennial Anniversary of its organization, October 
ist and 3d. 

It is the serene and solemn thought of centennials that 
they who see one shall not see another. — Joseph Cook. 

OCTOBER 4 

The woods are never so full of interest and fascination as 
when the first frosts have touched the leaves. — Btickham. 

1759 From this date until May 25, 1761, rations were 

issued by the commissar}^ of the conquering army 
(English), under Gen. Murray to the Community at 
Quebec, the bill for which ($1,352) the nuns were 
imable to pay, but the Mother Superior (formerly 
Esther Wheelwright) placed at Gen. Murray's disposal 
some of the Community's lands. 

The same day Rogers and his party, sent by Gen. 

'.. Amherst to punish the St. Francis Indians, reached 



'»22 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the neighborhood of their village and reconnoitering, 
found the natives engaged in a dance and festivities 
which lasted until four o'clock the next morning. 

This date also, in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess 
county, to John Roberts, a soldier in this war, and 
his wife, Susannah Mayhew, was born a son, John, Jr., 
w^ho was to serve as a di-ummer boy while father and 
uncles bore the part of men, when the now loyal 
colonists should be driven to revolution. 

1796 Wm. Henry Morgan, son of Jonas and Sarah 

(Mott) Morgan, was born at Lansingburgh. As a lad 
he used to run along the river bank beside Fulton's 
Clermont as she made her trips up and down the Hud- 
son, flowing past his home town. At sixteen, accom- 
panied by his father, whose business interests took 
him as far as Westport, the lad set out for Plattsburgh 
with but four dollars and a letter of introduction to 
Mr. John Frehgh. The letter, however, he had no 
occasion to use, but found employment at once and 
so prospered that in 1 814, in company with his oldest 
brother Jonas, he was keeping a general store at the 
corner of Bridge and Charlotte streets. During the 
engagement the brothers sought safety in the bushes 
growing on the island at the river's mouth, on their 
way rescuing six children who had become separated 
from their parents and were huddled in terror on the 
river bank. The parents were found after the battle 
at Fort Moreau, nearly distracted at the disappearance 
of their Httle ones. 

1908 The Rev. John Bailey Kelly, called to the 

pastorate of the first Presbyterian Church August 2, 
began his ministry, preaching from the text, Zech. 4 :6 : 
" The Dynamics of the Kingdom of God." 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 323 

OCTOBER 5 

1759 A little before dawn Rogers attacked and burned 

the Indian village and in the ensuing fight more than 
200 warriors perished, besides women and children. 
Waiting but an hour the avenging party started 
back, taking five English captives which were set free. 

1780 Benjamin Oilman was bom in Gilmanton, N. H., 

He settled in Plattsburgh, where he became assistant 
principal in the Academy on its opening in 181 1. He 
remained in the town of his adoption through life, 
dying April 10, 1853. 

1800 At Unity, N. H., Allen Breed and Judith Living- 

ston were married. She was the daughter of Isaac 
Livingston, a sergeant in the Revolution under Collier 
Wood of New Hampshire. This was the birthday of 
Josiah, son of Joseph and Sarah (Eells) Everest of 
Addison, Vt. With the six-months-old baby, the 
parents removed to Peru, where he grew to manhood. 
During the siege of Plattsburgh, as a boy he carried 
messages and comforts daily to his older brothers, 
who were aiding in the defence of the town. He 
served the town of Peru in various civil offices; was 
Justice of Peace sixteen consecutive years, one of the 
three county judges then elected, was a member of 
the State legislature in 1855 and subsequently one of 
the three inspectors of State's prisons. 

1830 Chester Alan Arthur was born at Fairfield, Vt. ; 

attended Burlington Academy, where his father was 
then principal, and subsequently graduated at Union 
College. 

1905 The corner stone of the Black Watch Memorial 

Library was laid at Ticonderoga, Masons from that 



224 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

part of the state, a battalion of the Fifth U. S. Infantry- 
then stationed at Plattsburgh, with full regimental 
band, and the bagpipe regiment of the Fifth Royal 
Scots of Montreal and several local organizations 
participating. 



^ OCTOBER 6 

1763 Monday — Went in a bateau to visit my tract of 

land at Cumberland bay, in company with John 
Chislm, Eliakim Ay res, John Waltron and James 
Stocker, on our passage, went ashore on the 2 most 
western of the 4 Islands, found the most eastward of 
those being largest of the 4 to contain 4 or 5 acres 
of choice land, and the westward one is rich, but all 
covered with brush, it may be about 3 acres, then 
passed close by Schyler's Island, or Isle Chapon, 
which looks at a distance but stony hght ground, 
little worth. 

About six in the evening, arrived at the high 
sandy cliffs (now Port Kent), and encamped there. 
Between there is a grass swamp containing, I think, 
about 150 acres without any trees, but is deep cov- 
ered with water. — Gilliland. 

1776 On the arrival of Brig. Gen. Waterbury with the 

galleys Washington, Capt. Thacher, and Congress, 
Capt. Arnold, the entire naval force of the Americans, 
save an eight-gun galley then receiving her armament 
at Ticonderoga and the schooner Liberty, which had 
been sent to Crown Point for supplies, was now at 
Valcour Island. 

1794 The first marriage in Grand Isle — that of WiUard 

Gordon (a great grandson of Alexander, the immi- 
grant from Scotland), and Clarissa, daughter of 
Libean Armstrong of Bennington, took place. Willard 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 325 

(born in Salem, Mass., August 2, 1770, the twelfth 
child of his father and the second which had been bom 
to Hannah Stanley of Beverly, his father's second 
wife) came from North Salem, N. H., in 1788, about 
five years later than his father, from whom Gordon's 
Landing takes its name. Willard had 12 children, 
among them Ira, Phoebe, Samuel, Norman, Benjamin, 
Amelia, Lucretia, Thomas and Seth. 

1807 The physicians and surgeons of Clinton county 

met at " the house of Israel Green, innholder, in 
Plattsburgh," to organize a medical society. There 
were present Dr. Albon Man (from the present town 
of Westville), Dr. Henry S. Waterhouse from Malone, 
and Drs. John Miller, Silas Goodrich, Nicholas 
Handley, Oliver Davidson, Rapel Vaughn and Benja- 
min Moore, the last from Champlain. ^ 

1 884 A bear hunt in Plattsburgh ! — Monday, the family 

of Alexander Weir, living on the " Tom Miller place," 
early awakened by the loud barking of the house dog, 
discovered a huge bear in the yard. Bruin, after 
receiving the contents of a shot gun, trotted off appar- 
ently unharmed, but another bear was soon seen in 
the fork of a large ash opposite the front door and 
this bear, a son of the family after running some 
bullets over the kitchen fire, brought down with a 
rifle. The game proved to be a cub, weighing about 
80 pounds, and furnished a feast for friends and 
neighbors. A hunt was organized for the mother 
and about 50 sportsmen started in pursuit 

" While shoulder to shoulder the streaming dogs go, 
All hot on the scent, with their wrinkled necks bent 
And their dewlaps a-swing, and their ears sweeping low," 

until about four o'clock in the afternoon, when the 
big brute, cornered on an adjoining farm and ready 
to fight, was laid low. 



326 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

OCTOBER 7 

1666 The rear guard under Sieurs de Chambly and 

Berthier left St. Anne. The progress of the army 
was slow, since they dragged two small pieces of 
cannon and 300 bateaux or bark canoes. 

1743 The grants made to Hocquart by the king in 

April were registered at Quebec. 

1763 Grants of land within the bounds of Addison 

were made by the governor of New York to Col. 
Wooster and Col. Charles Forbes, and beyond the 
limits of the township on the north, to Lieut. Ramsey. 
East of the grants of Forbes and Ramsey was a grant 
to J. W. Hogarty, and east of Wooster, grants to Sir 
John Sinclair and Mr. Wilkins. 

On the other side of the lake that morning, Mr. 
Gilliland and his exploring and surveying party set 
out from his encampment for the mouth of the Au 
Sable river, which he ascends to discover its falls 
and their distance from the lake. He describes the 
river as about 60 yards wide and more than twice as 
large as the Boquet. Pursuing his ascent he discov- 
ers the now famous Au Sable Chasm and thus de- 
scribes it: 

" In this place the river formed into a most curious canal; 
this is a prodigious rock. It is a most admirable sight, appear- 
ing on each side like a regular built wall, somewhat ruinated, 
and one would think that this prodigious cleft was occasioned 
by an earthquake, their height on each side is from 40 to 100 
feet in the different places; we saw about half a mile of it, and 
by its appearance when we stopped, it may continue many 
miles further." 

1812 A brilHant entertainment was given in Albany 

to Eleazer Williams, who had just returned from a 
successful mission north, bringing with him two 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 327 

Indian chiefs to be presented to Gen. Dearborn, who 
was much pleased with the success of Williams in 
securing the aid of the Sault St. Louis Indians and 
others. 

1884 The bear killed yesterday weighed two hundred 

pounds or more, and was sold and shipped to New 
York. 

OCTOBER 8 

The scant brook murmurs through the croft. 
And seems to sing of other days. — Buckham. 

1703 In the golden haze of the afternoon, John Nims 

and Zebediah Williams looking for their cows on the 
Deerfield meadows, were captured by Indians and 
carried to Canada, whence John escaped. But 
Zebediah " died at Quebec, firm in the Protestant 
faith." 

1761 Shoreham, the final rendezvous (at Hand's Cove) 

of Allen's party, was chartered (through the agency 
of Col. Eph. Doolittle, a captain under Amherst) to 
64 grantees. Its charter was the earliest granted 
west of the Green Mountains and north of Castleton. 
Doolittle served at the capture of both Ti and Crown 
Point, and with many of his men built the military 
road from Crown Point to Charleston, N. H., which 
passed from Chimney Point in Addison, through 
Bridport and Shoreham, in each of which towns the 
colonel became proprietor of six rights. Nine men 
of Shoreham are known to have been with Allen at 
Ti, among them EHas Kellogg, Samuel Woolcott and 
son, and Daniel Newton. 

1763 Mr. Gilliland, setting out from his encampment 

on River Au Sable northerly, found and named 
Duck Creek. 



328 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1825 Doctor and Mrs. William Beaumont lost their 

eighteen-months-old son, William. Dr. Beaumont, 
bom in Connecticut in 1786, after practicing two 
years in Burlington and one in Champlain withf.Dr. 
Chandler, went to Plattsburgh early in the centiiry, 
where he married Deborah Green. In 181 2, he was 
appointed surgeon in the U. S. Army, a position 
which he held 25 years, during which time he made 
the remarkable experiments (in which he was assisted 
by his cousin. Dr. Samuel Beaumont) with Alexis 
St. Martin, which gave the doctor a world-wide 
reputation and made his book " Experiments and 
Observations on the Gastric Juice and the Physiology 
of Digestion," acknowledged authority. 



OCTOBER 9 

— The softly rippling stream, 
The rising mountain, and the leafy wood, 
Combine their charms to grace the splendid scene: 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1735 Capt. Samuel Moore and Rachel Landon were 

married in Litchfield, Conn., and began housekeeping 
in Salisbury. 

1763 Gilliland reached " a considerable creek of still 

water, which, from the number of trees we saw 
cut by beavers, we call Beaver river " (now the 
Little Au Sable). He continued to Cragen river 
(Salmon river), of which he says: 

" Went up this river about 100 yards to a 10- 
feet falls, by carrying the water 45 yards; this is a 
noble situation for a saw mill, as a dam can be made 
by a few hands in a day. Here is water for two mills 
and dead water to the foot of the falls." 

He describes the " Savaniac " river (Saranac) 
and " that Peninsula " (Cumberland Head). 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 329 

OCTOBER 10 

Can thought present 
A tint more light, and yet more gorgeous, 
Hues more sweetly mingled, one dim shadow, 
Blending in grace more lovely with another! 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1725 Philippe de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil, before 

whom so many of our captives had stood and from 
whom our commissioners had sought satisfaction, 
died at Quebec. 

1734 The Marquis de Beauhamois reported to the 

home government that he had taken all necessary 
measures for the construction of the "Redoubt, a 
machicoulis at Crown Point, in Lake Champlain," 
having sent workmen thither to be ready to commence 
operations in the Spring. Meanwhile, he has ordered 
the Commandant at Crown Point to be on his guard 
with his garrison of thirty men. — Paris Documents. 

1759 The new brig reached Amherst from Ticon- 

deroga "with eighteen guns; seventy seamen and 
sixty soldiers embarked as marines." 

1761 Bridport, a post town of 42 square miles, char- 

tered to 64 proprietors, mostly from Massachusetts, 
of whom Col. Doolittle and Benj. Raymond were 
most active in making a settlement. 

1776 While Arnold was writing a despatch asking for 

a supply of shoes, watchcoats, blankets, hats or caps 
for his men and saying, "We cannot, at present, 
determine how long it will be requisite to remain 
here. It may depend on the intelUgence w^e receive. 
******! have received no late news from the 
northward. The loss of two small canoes (all we had) 
has prevented my sending out small parties," the 
British fleet, having passed out of the Richelieu, was 



330 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

sailing up the lake and anchored that night between 
Grand Isle and North Hero. 

1864 Three strangers arrived at St. Albans from St. 

Johns in Canada and " put up "at the Tremont hotel, 
and later in the day, two others came to theAmerican 
hotel. 

1866 Rear- Admiral Theodorus Bailey was placed on 

the retired list. On his first cruise, in 1 820-1, on the 
Cyane, several slavers were captured on the African 
coast. In 1846, on the breaking out of the Mexican 
war, while in charge of the store ship Lexington, he 
conveyed to CaUfornia, by way of Cape Horn, an 
artillery company and several officers, among them, 
Henry W. Halleck, William T. Sherman and E. O. C. 
Ord. The part taken by him in the conquest of 
California, in connection with the riots at Panama, 
and in restoring friendly relations with the Fiji 
islands, all previous to the Civil War, are noteworthy. 
As commander of the Eastern Gulf blockading squad- 
ron, he is said to have taken over 150 blockade-runners 
in eighteen months. 

" In the U. S. S. Cayuga he led the fleet of Admiral D. G. 
Farragut through the fire of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and 
opposing vessels, April 24, 1862. It was a contest between 
iron hearts in wooden vessels and ironclads with iron beaks 
and the iron hearts won." 

— From Inscription on Loving Cup of the Bailey. 



OCTOBER 11 

Already the bleak autumnal winds were sweeping over 
the lake; the nights fell dark and chill; the dreary winter 
approached, when no zeal or courage could avail an invading 
force. — Warburton. 

1 759 The raft, the brig from Ticonderoga and the new 

sloop (just built by the English) were ready for action. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



331 



1763 (Friday) — from the bottom of Cumberland we 

proceeded homeward and arrived that night, on our 
passage viewing the Islands Saint Michael, Valcour 
and Chapon or Schuyler Island, all of which we found 
ordinary, light rocky, stony land, and ill timbered. 

— Gilliland. 

1776 On Friday the battle of Valcour was fought. At 

eight o'clock the English fleet commanded by Capt. 
Thomas Pringle, of the Lord Howe, was discovered 




BENEDICT ARNOLD 



passing Cumberland Head with a strong north or 
northwest wind, and bearing in the direction of Crown 
Point, the supposed location of Arnold. Gen. Water- 
bury at once advised fighting the enemy on the retreat 
in the broad lake, but Arnold declined. At half-past 
twelve the Carlton and gunboats were within musket- 
shot and the action became general, continuing with- 
out cessation until about five in the afternoon. Early 
in the action, the Royal Savage, Arnold's flagship, 
poorly managed by her crew of landsmen, was dis- 



332 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

abled and run aground on the southwest point of 
Valcour Island, her crew escaping in safety. Arnold 
now transferred his flag to the Congress and fought 
that vessel " like a lion at bay, pointing almost every 
gun with his own hands, and cheering his men with 
voice and gesture." " Waterbury fought bravely 
on the quarter deck of his vessel (the Washington) 
and towards the close of the action was the only 
active officer on board." 

1790 William Pitt Piatt and Hannah Kent of Fishkill 

were married and at once set out on their wedding 
journey up the Hudson and through the lake in a 
batteau to their new home. The bride is said to have 
been much impressed with the beautiful scenery. 
Three weeks later, on a Simday morning, accompanied 
by a colored servant, she stepped ashore on Cumber- 
land Head. 

1864 Three more strangers appeared in St. Albans. 



OCTOBER 12 

1708 Jean Baptiste, fourth child of Sergeant Jacques 

and Abigail (Stebbins) de Noyon of Boucherville, 
was bom. 

Oh! thou hast seen the setting stin 

Slowly retire behind his cloud, 
Night gathering round the mountain's brow 

While autumn's blast roared long and loud; — 

— Mrs. Davidson, 

1759 The batteaux, containing a wing of the 42d 

Regiment under Major Reid, went astray among the 
sloops of the enemy, but succeeded in running the 
gauntlet of the French gims in safety with the 
loss of but one boat containing a Heutenant and 20 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 333 

men. Towards evening, the wind increasing, the 
waters were lashed to fury and Amherst was compelled 
to seek the shelter of a bay on the western shore. 

1776 Early in the morning Arnold's fleet reached 

Schuyler Island, nine miles distant, the vessels having 
passed in single file quietly out from the strait between 
Valcour Island and the mainland during the previous 
evening, bearing around the north end of Valcour 
and so passing outside the British line, which extended 
from Garden Island to the York shore. From Schuyler 
Island, Arnold wrote to Gates, giving an account of 
the engagement, and there, on examination, finding 
two of the gondolas too badly injured to repair, 
Arnold sunk them and, with the remainder, fitted 
out as best he could, again set sail for Crown Point. 

— " Was awoke very early in the morning by a confused 
noise about my tent * * made the greatest haste to the 
shore side, where a boat had just arrived with our wounded 
men from the fleet. The accounts were * * that the Royal 
Savage engaged her (the Carlton) and at last was obliged to 
strike to the Carlton, but, against all the rules of war, after strik- 
ing, they ran her on shore, blew her up and escaped in the wood." 

— Digby. 

OCTOBER 13 

1759 Captain Loring of Amherst's army pursued a 

French schooner and three sloops under the shelter 
of Valcour, where one of the sloops was grounded by 
her commander and two others sunk, while M. de 
Bolabarras and his men escaped through the woods. 
The storm prevented Loring from knowing this. 

1 763 Returned home and employed my time from now 

to 31st Oct., in laying out lots, filling leases and 
settling accounts with the people. — Gilliland. 

To the following leases were given : John Chism, 
Robt. McLane, Robt. McAwley, John King and G. 



•724 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Hicks, George Wilson, George Belton, William Luckey, 
Mires Dixon, Martin Tayler, Eliakim Ayres. 

1 776 Early in the morning the American fleet was off 

the Bouquet and the English lay a little above Schuyler 
Island favored by a fresh northeast wind, blowing in 
the broader part of the lake, while a south wind 
retarded Arnold's escape. Soon after Arnold had 
passed Spht Rock, Capt. Pringle, leading in person 
on the Maria followed by the Inflexible and Carleton, 
attacked the Washington galley, which was too much 
injured to keep up with the rest. This galley struck 
after receiving a few shots and her brave commander 
was made a prisoner of war. The three other vessels 
then concentrated their fire upon the Congress, which 
warmly returned the same. Arnold keeping up a run- 
ning fight until within ten miles of Crown Point, when 
he ran the Corigress and four gondolas into a small bay 
in Panton and, having saved the small arms, burned 
the vessels to the water's edge, escaping with his 
party through the woods. Thus ended the naval 
engagements off Valcour's and Schuyler's Islands, in 
which the American loss was about 90. In the mean- 
time the sloop Enterprise, the schooner Revenge and 
the galley Trumbull, with one gondola, had reached 
Crown Point in safety while the galley Lee, Captain 
Davis, had been run into a bay on the east shore above 
SpUt Rock and blown up. The galley Washington and 
gondola Jersey were in the hands of the enemy. 

1812 The new commander of the lake fleet, after 

consultation with Gen. Dearborn at Plattsburgh, 
went to Whitehall, where he began to fit out two 
gunboats and prepare for service the sloops Hunter 
and Bull Dog. These were remodeled to carry eleven 
guns in place of seven and their names changed to 
Growler and Eagle. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallkv 335 

1813 Birth of Frances Henrietta, only child of Judge 

and Mrs. Henry Delord. A few months preceding 
her birth, Murray's raid upon Plattsburgh had oc- 
curred and her father with many others had suffered 
serious losses. On the approach of the British, Mrs. 
Delord, hastily burying the fine silver service in the 
garden, had sought refuge with her baby in her arms 
in Peru, the former home of the family. The British 
fled, Mrs. Delord returned to find much of her furni- 
ture and many household treasures injured or de- 
stroyed. The enemy had, however, in the haste of 
departure left an officer's mess chest and, inadver- 
ently, a silver pepper box, salt spoon and sugar tongs, 
still preserved in the old house. Margaret Davidson 
and Frances Delord were next-door neighbors, play- 
mates and hfe-long friends. On the latter 's death 
in early married life, leaving a baby daughter, 
Margaret wrote a poem " On the Death of Mrs. F. H. 
Webb," referring to their childhood thus: 

But memory still can paint the scenes 

Of past, but ne'er forgotten joy. 
When we have sported wild and free, 

No sorrow pleasure's tide to cloy. 

Thy form as it was wont to be, 

Still mingles with each thought of home; 

My earliest sports were join'd by thee, 

When graced by beauty's brightest bloom. 

and of her personal appearance — 

" Again I view that hazel eye, 

With life and pleasure beaming; 
Again I view that fair, white brow, 
Those dark locks o'er it streaming. 

and of her mind — 

" Oh, 'twas unsullied and refined 
As is this spotless page. 



336 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

and lastly of the little one left motherless — 

" But the spirit we mourn has ascended on high. 
And there it will watch o'er its little one's fate; 

In whispers her voice will be heard from the sky, 
With a mother's affection which ne'er can abate. 

1834 Frances Montezuma, wife of Dr. Jabez Penniman, 

died, aged 74 years. She was formerly the wife of 
Gen. Ethan Allen, as her monument in Elm wood 
cemetery, Burlington, states. 

1841 The date of the earliest existing known copy of 

Westport's first newspaper, ''The Essex County Times 
and West port Herald." Anson H. Allen was the 
editor, but associated with Allen from the first was 
David Turner, an Englishman from Hull, who had 
come to Essex county in 1837 and begun work in a 
Keeseville printing office. From 1841-49 he lived 
in Westport and there, in June, 1847, his son, Ross 
Sterling Turner of Salem and Boston, one of the best 
known American painters, was bom. Other sons, 
Byron Pond, Jasper C. and Louis M., were bom at 
Rouses Point, Elizabethtown and Alexandria, Va., 
respectively. Their father died in Washington in 1900. 

OCTOBER 14 

The sky is dim and dreamful soft, 

The hills are gray with veiling haze, — Buckham. 

1759 After a stormy night, as day dawned, Loring 

perceived the abandoned vessels and left Lieut. 
Grant with the sloop to try to save the stranded 
vessel with her equipment, himself putting out into 
the lake in pursuit of any hostile sail. 

1761 On account of a bend in the lake, the proprietors 

of Addison procured from Gov. Benning Wentworth 
a grant of that township. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 337 

1776 At four o'clock in the morning Arnold and his 

men reached Crown Point in safety, having halted and 
been refreshed at the hospitable home of Zadock 
Everest in Addison, about four miles from the scene 
of action. Later in the day, on the approach of the 
enemy, the small force at Crown Point withdrew and 
Gen. Carleton took possession without opposition. 

1819 The " First Cattle Show and Fair " of Clinton 

county was held at Champlain. After a declaration 
of premiums by Silas Hubbell, one of the censors, 
and a short address, the procession moved to the 
district school house, where the Rev. Mr. Byington 
opened the exercises with prayer and Allen C. Moore 
gave an address on agriculture and manufactures. 
The officers of the society and of music then ascended 
a car, decorated with " articles of domestic manu- 
facture and agricultural products, surmounted with 
a flag and bearing an appropriate motto, elevated 
upwards of thirty feet, drawn by 100 yoke of oxen." 
This conveyed them to the grounds, where the animals 
were offered for inspection. All members of the 
society wore wheat cockades. A special feature was 
the half acre plowing match, won by Henry Ladd of 
Chazy, who finished in twenty-four minutes and a 
few seconds. But Col. Thurber, vice-president of the 
society, was awarded the premium for best driving. 

There mark the realms of plenty smiling now; 
There the full sheaf of Ceres richly glows, 
And Plenty's fountain blesses as it flows; 

— Lucretia Davidson. 

OCTOBER 15 

1750 Birth of John Stearns of New Hampshire, who 

served under Arnold, Stark and Warner and partici- 
pated in the battle of Bennington. He died in 



228 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Monkton, Vt., in 1823. Mary, the daughter of his son 
Calvin, became the wife of Eleazer WilHams Robinson. 

1759 The storm continued and Gen. Amherst was 

forced to remain quiet, 

1 766 George Belton sowed his last wheat. — Gilliland. 

Nay, nay! Let the blade of grain — 
One more in the crowded sod, 

Yet nourished by sun and rain — 

Speak a truer thought of God. — Buckham. 

1809 Mr. Samuel Southby Bridge, an English merchant 

engaged in the exportation of Turpentine, in an 
account of his journey through the Champlain valley, 
says that his party " arrived at the Hne at half -past 
five, over which no vessel is permitted to pass, the 
Non-Intercourse (Act) being now in force." They 
landed at Rouses Point and walked half a mile to the 
small hut or inn, kept by Jacob Rouse, a captain of 
militia, where the night was passed. 

— The November Munsey, 1908. 

1812 Marriage of Lewis Samuel Robinson and Hannah 

Eldred. They owned a farm (lot No. 95 Duerville 
Pat.) and kept a hotel in Chazy on the Military turn- 
pike. It was near this place, by a Httle brook, that 
a collation was served to President Monroe which 
delayed for a year the purchase of a fire engine for 
Plattsburgh. Robinson's Tavern was built of logs 
with a " bar-room " in one end, an open shed for 
wood and carriages in the middle, and a kitchen and 
dining room in the other. All the floors were of 
earth and the huge back logs were hauled for the 
immense fire-places by a horse. In 1823, this first 
building was superseded by a large stone house with 
all the conveniences of that time. 

1815 The Vermont resumed her trips to St. John's. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



339 



1900 Rowland Evans Robinson, the well-known 

author, died at his old home at Ferrisburgh. 

"On our way, (from Easton to Coeyman's Patent) we fell 
in with a little preacher by the name of Rowland Robinson who 
kept our company for several weeks." 

— Jourtial of the Life of Joseph Hoag. 



OCTOBER 16 

— For the pleasure of the eye give me a fall morning, 
after the first sharp frost. — Buckham. 

1759 Frost came and still Amherst had to remain 

inactive. 

1779 Joseph Everest and Sarah Eells were married. 
The groom was still lame from his jump in the dark- 
ness into the snow in escaping from his imprisonment 
at Quebec in the winter of '77 and the bride's heart 
was sad when she remembered her father's home 
leaving on the morning of the Bennington battle, 
from which he came not back. But they made their 
home in Addison where, on his mother's twenty-fifth 
birthday (July 26), the next year, their son Joseph 
was bom. Calvin and Luther were born at Ticon- 
deroga, where the Everests lived during the Revo- 
lution, and where they entertained Washington during 
his visit, and Baron Steuben, many times. 

1780 Royalton, Vt., burned by Indians. Two men 
were killed and twenty-six prisoners taken, among 
them, Sheldon Durkee, a boy of nine, who afterwards 
settled in Plattsburgh and from whom Durkee street 
takes its name. His brothers, Andrew and Adan, 
were also captured, the latter dying a captive in 
Montreal. The father, Timothy Durkee, was absent 
on a scout, and as the family fled from home, Sheldon 
went back for the youngest. Escaping to the bushes, 



340 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

he was seen by an Indian who hurled a tomahawk, 
which hit him on the back of the head. It was through 
the brave and persistent endeavors of Mrs. Hendee 
that Sheldon was released with other boys. The 
savages took thirty horses and killed all the cattle, 
sheep and sw4ne they could find. 

1909 In the Brighton Beach twenty-four hour endur- 

ance race, the Lozier automobiles, manufactured in 
Plattsburgh, finish first and second and establish a 
new world's record. 



OCTOBER 17 

' " I must confess that I like the October wind least of all. 

It is too petulant, too rebellious, too fitful. — Buckham. 

1646 Father Jogues, on his return to the Mohawk 

country, was set upon by the savages who believed 
him responsible for the failure of their crops and 
sickness of their tribe; was stripped of his clothing 
and beaten with heavy clubs, 

1759 A contrary wind arising, Amherst, though he 

had heard through a hostile chief, by flags of truce 
and letters of ceremony, that a British fleet lay 
before Quebec and battles had been fought, still 
lay helpless with his mighty army on the banks 
of the stormy lake. 

1763 Swanton, Vt., was chartered, containing 23,040 

acres. Previous to the English conquest of Canada 
there had been a settlement at Swanton Falls of 
about 50 huts, a church and saw mill, belonging 
to French and Indians who remained until the 
beginning of the Revolution. John Hilliker, a Ger- 
man, with his family, settled here about 1787. Other 
German settlers were Conrad Barr, John Hogle, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 341 

Abram and Joseph Rykard, John Sax, John Shelters, 
Peter Wagner, and others. Jeremiah Brewster and 
Thomas Butterfield were also prominent early settlers. 

1 780 A deep snow covered the ground and the Indian 

raiders of Royalton, pursued by whites, killed two 
prisoners and sent back a third with the message 
that they would kill all if molested. Passing through 
Randolph they captured Zadock Steele, whose 
account of his captivity is well known. The savages 
then made for Canada by way of the Winooski 
River and Lake Champlain. 

1809 "Rose at six. After taking some rum and milk 

to keep out the lake fever, which is frequently taken 
by strangers, went to see Mr. Glennie's land, about 
three and a half miles. About one mile on our 
way we had to pass an unfinished bridge, hardly 
worthy the name, about twenty foot high and 
sixty yards over, composed of large single logs, at 
a distance from each other, a little flattened on 
the top with an ax." — Samuel Bridge's Diary. 

On this bridge the traveller relates that he 
crawled on all fours and was then taken in a canoe 
" up the Little Chauze." The party returned by 
a different route " to Chandonet's about eleven 
to breakfast." Mr. Bridge had intended to go 
to Plattsburgh that night but was unable to get 
a conveyance. 

1903 Dedication of Bronze Tablet, placed upon the 

Custom House by Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. in 
commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh. The 
presentation to the City of Plattsburgh in behalf 
of the Chapter, was made by the Regent, Mrs. 
Gamble, and accepted by Mayor Sharron, As Mrs. 
Stoddard, founder of the Chapter and Ex-Regent, 



342 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

and Mrs. Sowles, both descendants of pioneers who 
participated in the battle, unveiled the tablet, it 
was saluted by three volleys fired by Co. C, Fifth 
Infantry. On account of unfavorable weather, the 
literary exercises were held in the auditorium of 
the Presbyterian church, where a patriotic address 
was made by Hon. Charles Halsey Moore, the Fifth 
Infantry band furnishing music. 

OCTOBER 18 

1646 The martyrdom of Father Jogues was completed. 

As he was entering a wigwam for supper, he was 
treacherously felled with an axe, his head cut off 
and stuck on the palisades while his body was flimg 
into the river. 

1755 Rogers, the ranger, arrived at the moimtain 

west of Crown Point, where he lay with his men 
all night and the next day observing the enemy. 
He also detected ambuscades built about "30 
rodsS.W. of the fort." 

1759 The storm subsided and a gentle south wind 

arose. Amherst now hurried his troops on board 
bateaux and in a few hours reached the bay where 
the French vessels had a few days before been driven 
ashore, but the winds changed and a storm approached 
from the north. 

1775 The Americans have already fortified Isle aux 

Noix and now Fort Chambly is taken by a detach- 
ment under Majors Brown and Livingston. Carleton, 
also, is repulsed by Col. Seth Warner and his Green 
Mountain Boys, while trying to land at Longueil 
to raise the siege of St. Johns which is being invested 
by Montgomery. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 343 

1864 Two more strangers took breakfast at the 
Tremont in St. Albans and were joined by four others 
at dinner. " The greater part of these men were 
afterwards identified as those who had been boarding 
at the hotels in St. Johns, in Canada, for some days 
previous." 

1865 At the Stetson homestead, Champlain, the Rev. 
Dr. Coit of Plattsburg officiating, was celebrated 
the double wedding of Eleazer J. Larkin and Helen 
E. Stetson and Franklin Palmer and Marion E. 
Stetson. Thus, on the same day, two daughters 
of John Smedley and Cynthia (Beach) Stetson 
left the parental roof for homes of their own. 

OCTOBER 19 

1755 Rogers went in the evening to the houses south 

of the fort and on the lake. Finding a barn well 
filled with wheat, he left 3 men there and took 
one with him " to make further discoveries near 
the fort." About 60 rods distant, finding a good 
place to ambush, he lay there with the men left 
at the barn until next morning. 

1809 Mr. Bridge, having been detained by his business 

until the dinner hour at the home of Gen. Mooers 
on Cumberland Head, accepts the General's hos- 
pitality and writes thus in his diary: — " Dined on 
pig and plum sauce, and also partook of some home- 
made wine — very good. General Moore appears 
to be a very hospitable gentleman. He has a large 
family — nine children." 

1864 The day of the St. Alban's raid. At the American 

House, five strangers took dinner and there were 
six more at the St. Alban's House. The afternoon 
was cloudy, threatening rain, and the streets un- 



344 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

usually quiet, since about forty of the principal 
men of the place were in Montpelier and Burlington, 
attending the session of the legislature at the first 
place and Supreme Court, at the second. Just after 
the town clock had struck the hour of three, simul- 
taneously the banks were entered by armed men, 
with drawn revolvers, who proceeded to take pos- 
session of bank bills, treasury notes, and United 
States bonds. Any chance caller at either bank 
was robbed at once. But little silver was taken, 
being " too heavy," and they found no gold. The 
robbery occupied some twelve minutes, and in the 
haste both gold and bank notes were overlooked. 
Outside, in the streets, other raiders intimidated 
the citizens, ordering chance passers to the green, 
shooting any who resisted, throwing Greek fire 
upon the wooden buildings, and seizing horses for 
flight. Bennett H. Young, the leader, rode about 
the streets giving orders to his men. They declared 
themselves Confederate soldiers come to rob and 
burn the town. In a few minutes, the raiders jumped 
upon their horses and, taking the Sheldon road, 
made all haste to escape. In a half hour, an armed 
party from St. Albans was in pursuit. The robbers 
succeeded in getting across the line into Canada, 
but thirteen were arrested there and held for trial. 

During the raid the news reached Burlington 
by telegram. Bells were rung, hundreds of citizens 
gathered in the banks and a large body of armed 
men started by train for St. Albans. Offers of assist- 
ance came from outside towns. At four o'clock 
a telegram reached Plattsburgh and every man 
made ready to defend his native town. On a street 
corner, that evening, the forming of a military 
company was suggested and to Benj. M. Beckwith, 
just returned from the seat of war, was intrusted 
the making out of a list of prominent citizens. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 345 

OCTOBER 20 

1755 At ten o'clock in the morning a man who came 

out of Fort St. Frederic without his gun, refusing 
" to take quarter " was killed and scalped " in 
plain sight of the fort " where there were 500 men. 
Rogers and his companion escaped after running 
"in plain view, about 20 rods." In the province 
of Maine, Elisha Bradford, the youngest son of 
Elisha, Sr. was born that day. His mother and 
only sister were killed by Indians, two brothers 
carried into captivity, from which they were after- 
wards released, and Elisha escaped only by hiding 
under the bed. He afterwards lived with an uncle 
and joined the American army, after the war settling 
in Litchfield, Conn., whence he came a pioneer to 
Plattsburgh and remained through life. 

1759 After driving back the enemy by "fifteen 

or twenty barges," the enemy's intrenchments 
were reconnoitred at Isle aux Noix. 

1866 Arrival at 6 o'clock in the morning of the two 

U. S. Invalid Veteran Corps ordered out by the 
Governor of Vermont. A company of infantry 
Home-Guards and one of cavalry were organized 
and streets patroled during most of the ensuing 
winter. In Plattsburgh resolutions were drawn 
up and signed by Benj. M. Beck with, in regard to 
the organization of the " Home Guards " and more 
than a hundred added their names to that of Mr. 
Beckwith. 

OCTOBER 21 

1759 Winter approaching, Amherst fell back upon 

Crown Point and turned his attention to the com- 
pletion of the defences, building roads and bridges 



346 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

and nursing the sick among the Provincials. Capt. 
John Stark was sent with 200 rangers to cut a road 
through to Charlestown, N. H, This followed to 
a great extent the largest eastern branch of the 
Otter Creek and the Black River, and was finished 
the next year. 

1766 — paid off Jabez Rudd and discharged him. 

— Gilliland. 

1788 The two Heroes was divided into North and 

South Hero. In 1783, Enos Wood from Bennington 
and Soloman Wood, with his wife and one child, from 
Norwich, Conn., came to North Hero in mid-winter 
and commenced a settlement, suffering much priva- 
tion and hardship. The town was organized in 
1789, with Nathan Hutchins, who Hved to the age 
of ninety, as town clerk. The garrison in the block- 
house w^hich the British had built at Dutchman's 
Point, was not withdrawn until 1796. In 1799, the 
bilious fever was very mortal and the next year, 
Solomon Wood and his son-in-law, William Lawrence, 
removed to Chazy Landing. In 1810, Wood again 
removed, this time to Hemmingford, Canada, return- 
ing to the United States on the outbreak of the 
war. His property was confiscated by the British 
government and his son Amasa served with con- 
scription papers, but succeeded in escaping before 
being mustered into service. 

1806 Mary Sheldon, daughter of Arunah Sheldon, 

was bom at Odletown, Canada, but her parents, 
within a few months removed to a farm near the 
Creek, where they lived within sight of both Amer- 
ican and British forces at the time of the invasion. 
The names of Arunah, Naomi, and Mrs. A. Sheldon 
appear among the list of charter members of the 
Methodist Church, Plattsburgh. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 347 

1821 The Legislature of Vermont granted to Charles 

McNeil, of Charlotte, Vt. and H. H. Ross, of Essex, 
N. Y. a charter for a ferry between those places. The 
ferry boats were propelled by horse-power and were 
a great convenience for carrying cattle, sheep, horses 
and teams. 

1860 Death of William F. Haile at the age of 69. 

He was a veteran of Lundy's Lane where he had 
been severely wounded. As a lawyer he had a rep- 
utation for " honor, integrity and sound judgment." 
For several years he was in partnership with his 
brother-in-law, William Swetland; was judge of the 
county and fifth collector of customs for the district 
of Champlain. 

1866 Friday evening the first meeting for the organiza- 

tion of the " Home Guards " was held in the Court 
House, with 19 present. Mr. Beckwith was called 
to the chair and speeches were made by S. Wright 
Holcomb, Geo. Henry Beckwith, H. A. Wood and 
others. The election of officers was as follows: — 
Captain, B. M. Beckwith; ist Lieut., Peter Fa- 
fountain; 2nd Lieut., S. N. Howe; ist Sergt., Fred 
H. Cramer; 2nd Sergt., E. C. Miller; 3rd Sergt., 
E. Brown; 4th Sergt., H. A. Wood; 5th Sergt., H. 
A. Woodruff; ist Corp., S. Wright Holcomb; 2nd 
Corp., E. G. Moore; 3rd Corp., Freeman M. Vilas; 
4th Corp., G. E. Barber; 5th Corp., N. B. Barker; 
6th Corp., Jas. S. Higby; 7th Corp., M. Sowles; 
8th Corp., Chas. S. DeForris. In St. Albans, 
Mr. Elinus J. Morrison, a contractor engaged on 
the brick work of the Welden Llouse, who had 
been shot during the raid, died at his lodgings 
at the American House. His remains were taken 
to his home in Manchester, N. H. for inter- 
ment. 



348 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1892 Columbus Day was celebrated in Plattsburgh 

by a procession of 1,400 children, an oration by 
Royal Corbin, Esq., and other exercises. 

What must have been the feehngs of Christopher Columbus 
when, for the first time, he knelt and clasped his hands, in grati- 
tude, upon the shores of his newly-discovered world. * * 
At that moment, his name was stamped upon the records of 
history for ever; at that moment, doubt, fear, and anxiety 
fled, for his foot had pressed upon the threshold of the promised 
land. — Lucretia Davidson, written in her sixteenth year. 

OCTOBER 22 

1774 Phelix Powell, the first settler to come into 
Burlington, bought of Samuel Averill of Litchfield, 
Conn., in consideration of ;^3o, the grant made to 
Averill by Gov. Wentworth. This tract included 
village lots, the whole of Appletree point and land 
running northerly to Onion river, and was considered 
in " county of Charlotte, and Province of New York." 

1775 Gen. Wooster's regiment of 335 men sailed from 
Ticonderoga to join Montgomery. 

1801 George Sherman (of the firm of Lee, Sherman 

& Witherbee of Port Henry) w^as born at Clarendon, 
Vt., the son of Nathan and Polly (Carpenter) Sherman, 
Seventy years of his active life were spent in the town 
of Moriah on the opposite side of the lake. Here 
associated with such men as Silas H. Witherbee, like 
himself a native of Vermont, and John A. Lee, one of 
the founders of the great mining industry of Essex 
county, he, and after him his son, George R. Sherman, 
were prominent in the development of the lumber 
and mining industries of that section. The firm 
names of Lee, Sherman & Witherbee and later of 
Witherbee, Sherman & Co. will ever be associated 
with Port Henry. Sherman Academy (now Sherman 
Collegiate Institute) founded by George Sherman was 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 349 

after his death aided by his son. The father died in 
Saratoga, September 7, 1877; Mr. Lee at the same 
place in 1888; and Mr. Witherbee in New York City 



the next year. 




GEORGE SHERMAN 
180I-1877 



1866 Saturday evening the first regular detail of guard 

was chosen. This was : Officer of the guard, F. H. 
Cramer; sergeant of guard, E. Brown; corporals^ 
S. W. Holcomb, E. G. Moore and G. E. Barber' 
privates, E. W. Pierce, H. H. Sherman, O. C. Gregg' 
Frank McCadden, J. Klock, F. Lafave, J. K. Myers', 

E. C. Baker, William Manning, M. F. Parkhurst' 
P. J. Tormey, H. Griffin, J. Montville, H. L. Isham,' 

F. E. Booth, James Delaney, H. C. Sanborn, F. San- 
bom, C. Cottril, J. Q. Edwards, Wm. H. Chandler, 
A. Guibord. 

OCTOBER 23 

1759 ^ After several days delay from adverse winds, the 

British fleet retired up the lake and any idea of attack- 
ing the frontier was abandoned for that season. In 



350 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

the meantime, Amherst attempted to communicate 
with Wolfe at Quebec by way of the country of the 
Abenakis, but his messengers were intercepted by the 
French. 

1766 Nehemiah Smith sowed his wheat. — Gilliland. 

1783 Nicholas Barker and Clarinda Folger were 

married. She was descended from John Folger and 
Tristram Coffin, both founders of Nantucket. The 
Barkers settled in Peru in 1785, where their eldest 
daughter, Hannah, in 1799 with the approval of the 
Society of Friends, to which the contracting parties 
belonged, married Cyrus, son of Aaron and Elizabeth 
(Knowles) Benedict, who had come to Peru in 1795. 
The marriage " was in a good degree orderly accom- 
plished " in the log meeting house after the establish- 
ment of the Peru Monthly Meeting. This first meet- 
ing house was built entirely of spHt logs, floor, benches, 
and all — not a nail or board used in the structure. 
Such was the first religious edifice erected in this 
county. 

Vergennes at the head of navigation on Otter 
creek, was " incorporated with city privileges, being 
480 by 400 rods in extent." Donald M'Intosh, a 
veteran of CuUoden, who had come to this country 
with Wolfe in 1766, made the first settlement within 
the present city limits. MTntosh died July 14, 1803, 
aged 84 years. A U. S. Arsenal was built here in 
1828 and from this arms were taken South before the 
CvA\ War. 

1852 Sarah (Burchard) Balch, widow of Ebenezer, 

older brother of Timothy, died at West Pittsburgh. 
She was a daughter of James and Abigail (King) 
Burchard of Becket, Mass., and was married about 
1790, in 1800 coming here with the four children then 
born, to a hard life in the wilderness. All their six 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 351 

children, Ebenezer, Sarah, Alvah Burchard, Betsey, 
Clarissa and Horatio James grew to maturity. The 
remains of Mrs. Balch and her husband were removed 
to Riverside cemetery in 1891 and placed beside 
those of their son, Alvah, who died in 1871. 

OCTOBER 24 

Season of ripened gold, 
Plenty in crib and fold, 
Skies with a depth untold, 

Liquid and tender. — Buckham. 

1845 At the home of his son, Elam, the old Revo- 

lutionary soldier, Loren Nehemiah Larkin, at the 
age of ninety, was "gathered to his fathers." He 
had served with Capt. Ebenezer Allen, had marched 
to Skeensboro, sailed to Ti, and retreated with the 
army to Mt. Independence, later returning to Man- 
chester, Vt., his home during the Revolution. In 
1777, he joined Col. Herrick's regiment of Rangers 
and did guard and scout duty at Pawlet, Castleton, 
and Pittsford. He served other enhstments and 
responded to several alarms, after the war settling 
at Salisbury, Addison county. But, in 1804, he 
bought 300 acres of land on the Military Turnpike 
in Beekmantown (near present Methodist Church) 
and there built the homestead, still standing, though 
unoccupied. He is said to have resembled Andrew 
Jackson in appearance, usually wearing a blue coat 
with brass buttons and having long, white hair. His 
remains and those of his wife lie side by side in the 
private cemetery south of the old home. A double 
marble slab marks both graves and on his is a marker 
placed by Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. 

1866 The first regular drill of the " Home Guards " 

was held Monday afternoon on the public square. The 



352 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Orderly Sergt. reported 6i privates present and 
to them W. A. Fuller, Lieut.-Col. commanding 
37th Regt. District, N. Y. dealt out 20 old army 
muskets, that " would kill at either end." Only 
4 proved serviceable but nearly every man was 
furnished a pistol and some had their own rifles. 

OCTOBER 25 

1780 Captain William Chambers wrote from Crown 

Point on board the Maria of the arrival, the day 
previous, of " the families that were detained at 
Point au Per " and that another party, sent for 
refugees on the eastern shore, was fired upon; adding, 
that the season was so far advanced that he did 
not think it " safe for a vessel to remain at Crown 
Point " for any more refugees. 

1892 At Chase's, in the Adirondacks, Caroline Scott 

Harrison, wife of President Harrison and President 
General of the Society of the Daughters of the 
American Revolution, passed from earth, mindful 
to the last of other sufferers. 



OCTOBER 26 

— it is because you have heard them (the birds) singing 
all summer long that you can be pleased with October's silence. 

— Buckham. 

1768 Timothy, son of Ebenezer and Lois (Belden) 

Balch, was born in Hartford, Conn. His father 
was a goldsmith and clock-maker, and from him, 
the older son, Ebenezer, Jr., learned the trade, 
which, however, he did not follow but, removing 
to Plattsburgh two years before Timothy, devoted 
his energies to lumbering, building and farming. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 353 

As early as 1806, Ebenezer built a frame barn and, 
in 1 81 2, a frame house, considered in those days 
" very fine." All the nails used in its construction, 
he made himself. He also assisted in the building 
of the Presbyterian church, of which both himself 
and wife were members. 

1789 Reuben Hyde Walworth, son of Benjamin and 

Apphia (Hyde) Cardell- Walworth, was born at 
Bozrah, Conn. Being injured by the overturning 
of a load of hay, while at work upon his father's 
farm in Hoosick, N. Y. to which the family had 
removed, Reuben was obliged to give up such labor 
and was induced to study law. At the age of twenty 
he was admitted to the bar and settled in Platts- 
burgh, where he was associated with John Palmer, 
also from Hoosick. 

" AFTERWARDS." 

God laid a burden on me when I came 
To man's estate. At first I took it sore, 
And grieved because my freedom was no more, 

And wrought unwilUngly. Ah, me! the shame, 
The bhndness of it I Afterwards I saw 
The blessedness, the crown, of duty's law. 

— Buckham. 

1809 A great snow storm, in which two men, named 

Stone and Skeele, were frozen to death, while at 
work in the town of Mooers, blazing trees for a 
road to some mills (afterwards called Tripp's), 

1826 Organization by charter of the Champlain 

Transportation Company. Its first steamer, the 
Franklin, was landed at St. Alban's Bay and made 
her first trip, Oct. loth of the next year. The first 
captain of the new company, Jehaziel Sherman, 
was her captain. 



354 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1909 Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, the last of 

the Civil War commanders of armies, died at his 
home in Burlington of angina pectoris. As educator, 
soldier, author or peacemaker, he was a devoted 
Christian always, and to the last "the unselfish and 
untiring servant of a people" — the Freedmen — 
whose highest good was his heart's desire. 

OCTOBER 27 

1776 Monday morning the British fleet approached 

Ticonderoga and landed from five large transports 
a detachment at Three Mile Point and another party 
were sent into a bay four miles below the works. 
Gen. Gates ordered the main garrison to be strength- 
ened with the three regiments from Mount Inde- 
pendence and the defences manned. After two 
armed boats of the enemy had been fired upon by 
a row galley, Carleton, evidently deciding the post 
capable of defence, about four o'clock in the after- 
noon, withdrew to Crown Point, where he prepared 
to retire to Canada for the winter, 

1779 Grand Isle, the two Heroes (named for Ethan 

and Ira Allen) and Vineyard (Isle La Motte) were 
chartered to Ethan Allen, Samuel Herrick, and 
other soldiers of the Revolution. In March, 1783, 
Capt. Ebenezer Allen, Alexander Gordon and Enos 
Wood visited the township to locate their respective 
claims. By agreement they were to choose in the 
order of Wood, Gordon and Allen. Wood chose the 
south end of the north island; Gordon, the north 
end of the south island, and Allen, the south end. 
Within two years fourteen pioneers, most of them 

I with large families, came. The Aliens were all 

natives of Massachusetts. Col. Ebenezer Allen, a 
first settler of Poultney, and officer under Herrick, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 355 

had led the defence, in Sept., 1777, against the 
British post on Mount Defiance and on the retreat 
of Burgoyne's army, had captured fifty of the rear- 
guard, among them a slave woman, named Dinah, 
to whom he gave her freedom. Lamberton and 
Samuel Allen, sons of Samuel, Sr., killed by Indians 
at Deerfield, in August, 1746, and the family of their 
deceased brother, Enoch, (except the youngest son, 
Heman, afterwards of Milton, Vt.) came early. 
Samuel had escaped from Indian captivity and 
later served in the Continental army. 

1821 Caroline Adriance, widow of Judge Charles 

Piatt, died at her home on Broad street, surviving 
her husband but a few months. 

They had grown old, — together old. 

They had not marked the slow decay, 

Or noticed on their loving way, 
The change that time and care had told. 

— Rev. O. G. Wheeler. 

Mrs. Piatt, a native of Holland, was accustomed 
to read her Dutch, as did John Sax over at High- 
gate, his Lutheran Bible, 



OCTOBER 28 

1766 — this day N. Smith put up his logs and W. 

McAuley arrived. — Gilliland. 

1776 At the battle of White Plains, Daniel Hobart 

of Asburnham, Mass. was wounded in the thigh 
and left upon the field. As the enemy approached, 
his retiring companions saw him beaten to death 
with clubbed muskets. Shortly before, while Wash- 
ington was encouraging his troops, he dropped his 
hat which was picked up and returned to him by 



•7c6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Sergeant Joseph Spalding of Plainfield, Conn., who 
later removed to Vermont where he died in Middle- 
town in 1840. 

1780 Esther Wheelwright, for nearly seventy years 

a sister of the UrsuHnes of Quebec, died at the age 
of eighty-four years and eight months. From 1713 
to 1780 she was one of the "finest ornaments and 
firmest supports " of that house. It was she and 
her nuns who ministered to the wounded and dying 
soldiers after the fall of Quebec. 

1814 The Miiller family with their household reHcs 

saved from happier days, including silver, two 
pianos, and Melusina's harp and guitar, began their 
journey from Baltimore to Harmony, Pa. Only the 
month before, the daughters of the house, with their 
friends, the Loneys, during the night of the bom- 
bardment of Fort McHenry, had lain upon the ground 
in a log cabin, twelve miles distant from the city, 
" hearing and feeling " every explosion, Melusina 
little dreaming that, as the wife of Bishop Hopkins, 
her life was to be spent near the scene of that twin 
engagement, the battle of Plattsburgh. 

OCTOBER 29 

— the wild berries are the flowers of the fall, many of them 
as brilliant in color and beautiful in arrangement as the spring 
and summer blossoms whose children they are. — Buckham. 

1793 " This day we compleat the Bridg here (Platts- 

burgh) ready to Raise; to morow we proceed to 
Great Sable on where we expect to compleat the 
brid in a few days." — Letter from Nathaniel Piatt. 

This was the bridge built by the State where 
the State road crossed the Ausable River, and was 
the first bridging of the stream. The road then ran 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 357 

by way of Schroon, Elizabethtown, Poke 'Moon- 
shine to Plattsburgh. 

That day Samuel Keese, son of Stephen and 
Ruth (Hull) Keese, was born in Dutchess county 
and the following year, with his brothers, William 
and Richard, was brought to Peru. Samuel became 
one of the most prominent of the " Quaker " preach- 
ers and, as early as the winter of 1835-36, he attended 
a meeting of the Society of Friends, held in New 
York, and labored with a few others to induce the 
Society to strive for the promulgation of the doctrine 
of immediate emancipation as the only means of 
preventing future bloodshed. His sister, Elizabeth, 
became the wife of Benjamin Smith. 

1899 Mrs. Harriet (Hunt) Vilas, widow of Samuel 

F. Vilas, finished a long and unselfish Christian life 
of nearly 89 years. Mrs. Vilas came a bride to 
Plattsburgh in 1836 and her early married life was 
spent in the large white house with green blinds, 
standing on the corner of Margaret and Brinckerhoff 
streets. This was burned in the Great Fire of '49. 
The Vilas Home, erected by Mrs. Vilas in memory 
of her husband and an object of her solicitude to 
the end, stands as a lasting memorial to her Chris- 
tian charity. 

OCTOBER 30 

1706 On a petition for naturalization of this date, 

C. Alice Baker, author of " True Stories of New 
England Captives," found the names of the fol- 
lowing: — Louis Marie Strafton (Charles Trafton of 
York), Mathias Claude Farnet (Matthew Famsworth 
of Grotcn, Mass.), Pierre Augustin Litrefield (Aaron 
Littlefield of Wells, Me.), Madeline Ouare (Grizel 
Warren of Dover, N. H.), Christine Otesse (Margaret 
Otis of Dover), Thomas Hust (Thomas Hurst), 



3^8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Elizabet Price (Elizabeth Price), Elizabeth Casse 
(Elizabeth Corse), Marie Francoise French (Freedom 
French), Therese Steben (Thankful Stebbins), all 
of Deerfield. 

1785 Petition of William Gilliland for a grant of 

1,000 acres of land on the west side of Lake Cham- 
plain, — Calendar of Land Papers. 

OCTOBER 31 

An enchanted place is the October wood. — Buckkam. 

1794 Rebecca Leflin, daughter of James and Experi- 

ence (Williams) Leflin, was born in Georgia, Vt. 
Her mother, a daughter of the Rev. Warham Wil- 
liams, brother of Eunice, was in that way related to 
the Rev. Eleazer Williams, if he were not the Dauphin. 
During the summer of 1814, Rebecca was teaching 
school on Rugar street, living in the family of her 
half-brother, Nathan Perry, but at the time of the 
invasion, she was with her mother in Champlain, 
sickness in the family, requiring her assistance. She 
married David Leeke, a pioneer from Long Island, 
whose sisters, Phoebe and Abigail, married David 
Parsons and Elias Woodruff, respectively. Rebecca's 
mother's family left Connecticut on account of the 
witchcraft delusion and settled in Rutland, where 
her mother's uncle. Judge Samuel Williams, became 
Vermont's historian. The Leekes lived at Point 
au Roche, where Mr. Leeke died in middle Hfe. His 
widow Hved quietly on the old place, attaining the 
age of 93 years, 6 months and 4 days. 

1818 Saturday, the house of James Mix, Beekman- 

town, was burned. The next day his neighbors went 
into the woods and by nightfall had hewn the timbers, 
and made and raised the frame for a new house. 



Threk Centuries in Champlain Valley 359 

20 X 25 feet, which they completed on Monday and 
Tuesday so that the family moved in. 

1832 On Wednesday, in St. Paul's Chapel, New York, 

the Rev. John Henry Hopkins was consecrated 
Bishop of the new Diocese of Vermont, by Bishop 
White, assisted by Bishop Griswold of the Eastern 
Diocese and Bishop Bowen of South Carolina. Bishop 
H. U. Onderdonk preached the sermon. Within 
three weeks the new Bishop had resigned as Assistant 
Minister of Trinity Church, Boston; had made two 
trips to Vermont; bought a house in Burlington 
with thirteen acres of ground attached, and moved 
a family of fifteen souls there. 

1853 Allen Breed, pioneer, died at Crown Point. 

He had settled there with his young family about 
1808 or '09, purchasing land now occupied by the 
village of Crown Point on the lake drive. He was an 
extensive lumber dealer and built many of the 
houses in the village, his old home having but recently 
undergone modem changes. 

1857 At West Chazy, Capt. William Atwood, a native 

of Plymouth county, Mass., died. He had settled 
in Chazy in 1801 and on the invasion of our frontier 
by the British, Atwood raised a company, two mem- 
bers of which, Daniel and Gardner Goodspeed, were 
wounded on Sept. 6th and Jonathan Clifford, Caleb 
Douglass and Hezekiah Fay, taken prisoners. 



360 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



NOVEMBER 1 

With November comes a braver and saner wind, whose 
sound I like right well. — Buckham. 

1752 A seigniory along the lake and including Chazy 

River was granted to Sieur Bedue. John La From- 
boise is said to have settled on this seigniory and 
to have remained through life, being the first per- 
manent settler in the county. Some of his des- 
cendants are still residents in the vicinity. On the 
accession of the English, the claims of all these 
seigniories were refused, and on the retreat of the 
French army to Canada, all the French settlements 
on the lake, except that of La Frombois, were 
abandoned. 

1785 The first boy was born in Plattsburgh. He 

was a son of the Hon. Kinner and Lucretia (Banker) 
Newcomb, and was named Piatt. To this child 
fifty acres of land was given on which descendants 
still live. Piatt Newcomb graduated from Union 
College in 1808. In the War of 181 2, he served as 
orderly under Capt. Seth Sherry, Col. Miller's regi- 
ment, was in skirmish at Beekmantown and helped 
tear up the bridge at Plattsburgh. He was also 
adjutant on Gen. Mooers' staff, and was a member 
of the Legislature of the State. He died in West 
Plattsburgh in August, 1871. The first child bom 
in the new settlement was Ida Ostrander, born 
September 7th preceding. 

1802 The name of Isle La Motte was changed to 

Vineyard. This year Caleb Hill of Granville came 
to the island and at once began fitting tracts of 
wild land for market, establishing highways and 
building schoolhouses. He ran the first ferry from 
Isle La Motte to Alburgh, receiving a grant from the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 361 

Vermont Legislature in the winter of 1805-6 for the 
operation of the same. This remained in the hands 
of his descendants and was used until the building of 
the bridge in 1882. Mr. Hill was captain of a com- 
pany of Vermont State Militia which helped guard 
the frontier during the war. The members of his 
company were: — Isaac Ayslin, Isaac Barber, David 
Bassett, Orlin Blanchard, Charles Carron, Bethuel 
Clark, John Clark, Jesse Clark, Jacob Darby, Conrad 
Denio, George Dennis, lona Dixon, John Durham, 
Claudius Fiske, Eben Fiske, Ira Fiske, Solomon 
Fiske, Lewis Gordon, Elihu Hall, Nathaniel Hall, 
Ira Hall, Minard Hilliard, Amos Holcomb, Jesse 
Holcomb, Carmi Holcomb, Ephraim Holcomb, Ches- 
ter Holdridge, Ezra Knapp, Ezra Pike, James Racy, 
Enoch Sherman, Amaziah Smith, Henry Scott, John 
Scott, Luther Strong, Nathan Strong, Joseph Sumer- 
icks, Cyrus Wait, Gardner Wait, Harry Wait, Solomon 
Wait and William Wait. 

1805 I have been to the Roman Catholic church 

to-day, the annual festival, of the dead. 

— E. Williams in Diary. 

1820 Gov. Richard Skinner appointed William H. 

White, son of William White of Vergennes, who 
had contributed generously to the building of Mac- 
donough's fleet. Aide de Camp to the Brigadier 
General of the First Brigade in the third Division 
Vermont Militia. 

1881 Samuel Keese, the Quaker abolitionist of Peru, 

died at Great Neck, L. I. While the fugitive slave 
law was in force, his home, like that of Benjamin 
Smith, who had married his sister, Elizabeth Keese, 
was a station of the Underground Railroad, where 
fugitives were fed and clothed and helped on to the 
next station at Champlain. 



362 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

NOVEMBER 2 

1761 Middlebury, Vt. was chartered and Col. John 

Chipman began the first clearing in 1766, at a time 
when there was not a dwelling-house in the section 
west of the mountains and north of Manchester 
which was 60 miles away. The prospect was so 
discouraging that Chipman returned to Connecticut 
and did not visit his clearing for seven years. He 
then came with the Hon. Gamaliel Painter, who 
located near an ancient encampment, where many 
fine Indian relics have since been found. In 1820, 
a large pot, made of sand and clay and holding 
about 20 quarts, was dug up nearly entire. After 
the war the settlers returned to their abandoned 
farms and by Nov. i, 1800, Middlebury College was 
incorporated. 

1775 The fort at St. John's was surrendered by 

Major Preston to Montgomery. The prisoners, among 
them John Andre, were taken to Lancaster, Reading 
and York, Pa. 

1805 — I have been to La Prairie to-day, and I 

attended the Mass. Rev. Mr. Boucher preached, a 
Roman Catholic clergyman. I think he is the most 
eloquent orator I ever heard in my life, and has the 
most graceful gestures. After meeting I went to 
Mr. Perault's, and dined there — and there I saw Mr. 
Thomas — to be remembered, &c., &c., &c. Yester- 
day several men came to see me, &c., &c. 
" If I am honest I will speak the truth." 

— E. Williams. 

1858 The Hon. Joseph T. Everest was appointed 

Inspector of Prisons. His second son, Aaron Sibley, 
after reading law with his father, went west in 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 363 

1856. Having served with distinction throughout 
the Civil War, Col. Everest began the practice of 
law in 1 87 1 at Atchison, Kansas, becoming one of 
the ablest civil, criminal and railroad lawyers of the 
west. For him the town of Everest was named. 
He was first vice-president of the Missouri Pacific 
railroad for some time and the entire Kansas system 
is largely the result of his labors. Col. A. C. Everest 
was one of the few Democrats honored by election 
to the State Senate. 

How oft I've sat in melancholy mood, 
Where mad Missouri rolls his reckless flood, 
To watch the mighty stream with wond'ring eye, 
Born of a mountain spring to swell the sea. 
And to man's life compare the aspiring wave, — 
" Is born, is great," then thunders to the grave. 
— Longings for the West by Lieut. Levi P. Davidson. 

Plattsburgh, 1816 — Saratoga, 1842. 



NOVEMBER 3 

Meanwhile the clouds were gath'ring drear. 

— Lucretia Davidson. 

1761 Salisbury (Vt.) was chartered. The first settler, 

Amos Story was killed by a falling tree, but his 
widow came with her large family of children and 
did the work of a man, in felling trees, rolling logs 
and clearing the land. During the Revolution, she 
had a place of refuge in a cave in the bank of Otter 
Creek. A monument on the site of the home of that 
bravest of pioneer mothers, Ann Story, was dedicated 
July 27, 1905. 

1764 Panton (Vt.) was chartered. Among the first 

settlers were Joseph Pangborn, Odle Squire, Timothy 
Spaulding and others from Cornwall, Conn. Peter 
Ferris came from Nine Partners and the death of 



364 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

his wife before the Revolution is said to have been 
the first in town. 

1776 The rear guard of the British army left Crown 

Point, and it was immediately occupied by the 
Americans. 

1791 Incorporation of the University of Vermont, for 

which Ira Allen had given a site of fifty acres covered 
with valuable pine trees and 4,000 pounds in money. 
The president's house was completed in 1799, its 
officers appointed in 1800, and the college building 
begun in 1801. 

1794 Joseph Ketchum, the Revolutionary soldier from 

Dutchess county, who settled at Plattsburgh, died 
in New York City while on a business trip. He was 
buried in Trinity churchyard. In September, 1797, 
his widow, Phebe, lived on lot number five, north of 
the present court house. She later married Caleb 
Nichols, a young la's\yer of the period, 

1813 — Went to Cumberland Head and attended a 

council of war led by General Bloomfield. An order 
given by the Council to repair boats and wagons for 
transportation and be in readiness for a winter's 
campaign. — E. Williams. 

1880 Miss Helena Augustin opened a kindergarten 

(the first in Plattsburgh) with nine pupils in the stone 
building on the comer of Oak street and Protection 
avenue. This old building, which had been spared 
from the ravages of the fire of '67, was demolished 
to make room for the block known as "Clinton Court." 
A primary department was soon added to the kinder- 
garten and here hundreds of Plattsburgh children 
began their school life. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 365 

NOVEMBER 4 

Chill snows the mountain summits crown; 
The harvest field is pale. 

— Rev. O. G. Wheeler. 

1763 This day I gave possession to the lessees (?), 

Ayers, Taylor, Dixon, Chism, McLane, McAwley, 
Wilson, Belton and Luckey. I proceeded to Crown 
Point, where I engaged pro v. for my settlement until 
summer next and then continued my journey to New 
York, where I arrived the 20th November. — Gilliland. 

n 79 1 Birth of WilHam F. Haile. In 1 8 1 1 , at the early 

age of twenty-one he entered the United States army 
as ensign ; was promoted to captain for gallant con- 
duct and remained in the army several years after 
the war, when he resigned to practice law. His 
home in Plattsburgh was on Broad street, the Judge 
Charles Piatt house, which the Judge's son Nathaniel 
had moved back and enlarged by an addition in front. 

1819 Sophia Solace, daughter of Judge Solace of Brid- 

port, Vt., was born. September 9, 1841, she became 
the bride of the poet, John G. Saxe, and after a com- 
panionship of forty years, her husband said he re- 
garded her as the most unselfish person he had ever 
known. To her he dedicated one edition of his 
poems in these words: 

To my best friend (a diamond edition of a woman) I in- 
scribe this Diamond Edition of the poems of her husband. 

— /. G. S. 

What! Fifty years? I never could have guessed it 
By any token writ upon your brow, 
Or other test of Time — had you not now, 

Just to surprise me, foolishly confessed it; 

Well, on your word, of course, I must receive it; 
Although (to say the truth) it is, indeed, 
As proselytes sometimes accept a creed, 

While in their hearts they really don't believe it: 



366 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

While all around is changed, no change appears 
My darling Sophie, to these eyes of mine, 
In aught of thee, that I have deemed divine, 

To mark the number of the vanished years — 
The kindly years, that on that face of thine 
Have spent their life, and, " dying, made no sign." 

— Sonnet to his wife on her fiftieth birthday. 

1826 The "St. Alban's Steamboat Company" was 

chartered. 

NOVEMBER 5 

1785 Moorefield, a tract of land lying along the 

northern boundary of the county and named for 
Pliny Moore, one of the proprietors, was granted to 
Mark Graves and Levi Smith and then took the name 
of Smith and Graves Patent. 

1810 The name of Middle Hero changed to Grand 

Isle. An early settler was Stephen Pearl, who had 
been unsuccessful as a merchant in Pawlet, Vt. 
But, in 1794, he removed to Burlington, occupying 
the house, built by Frederick Saxton in 1789 and 
standing at head of the street afterwards named 
Pearl. It was the first frame house in the place and 
is still standing. Pearl was made sheriff of Chittenden 
Cotinty of which Grand Isle was then a part and held 
that office many years. The Friends had much to do 
with shaping the early history of Grand Isle. The 
first to come and remain was Jonathan Griffith of 
Po'keepsie, about 1784. With him came his son 
Seth, who became prominent in the Society and 
affairs of the town, teaching in the school which the 
Friends maintained. His maternal uncle, Ephraim 
Dual, made early surveys but preferred living at 
Missisquoi Bay on the Canadian side, " under his 
king. ' ' A frame house built and occupied by Jonathan 
Griffith is still in use. Seth built a large house on 
the rise of ground one-half mile from the lake and 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 367 

opposite Cumberland Head. He was a nursery- 
man and many of the apple, pear and other fruit 
trees of the Valley were grown from the seed (and 
grafted) in his nursery. 

1817 The Northern Canal connecting the waters of 

Lake Champlain with the Hudson was commenced 
this day. 

1840 The Rev. O. G. Wheeler was ordained and 

installed pastor of the church of South Hero and 
Grand Isle, beginning, what proved to be, the longest 
continuous pastorate of any minister in the Congre- 
gational Sociey of Vermont. The church had been 
organized by the Rev. Asa Lyon, in 1795, with a 
membership of seven. Mr. Lyon, though not installed, 
ministered to the church he had formed imtil 1840. 
He was the first representative of the town and was 
chosen in 1810. The first post-ofRce was established 
that year, the entire receipts being $14.71. Mr. 
Wheeler, a native of Charlotte and graduate of the 
U. V. M., succeeded the venerable Mr. Lyon and for 
nearly forty-seven years, with scarcely a vacation, 
preached in the two towns, usually one sermon each 
Sabbath in each. He was senator from Grand 
Isle county in i860 and 1861, and represented the 
town of South Hero in the House of Representatives 
in 1864. He loved his work and his people and all 
mankind as well, being prominent in the anti- 
slavery movement. In i860 he published a volume 
of poems from which the following is selected from 
a " Semi-Centennial " poem delivered before the 
associated Alumni of his Alma Mater, Aug. i, 1854. 

And truth, though old, 

Grows never gray; 
The ages fold 

The young to-day 



368 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

With unresisted arms, 

But lend no brighter charms 
To that which perfect came from old Eternity, 
And never while Jehovah is, can changed be. 

1850 Henry G. Hewitt, bom in Peru Oct. 6, 181 1, 

was elected assemblyman from Clinton county for 
the 74th session, 1851. He conducted a dry goods 
business in Cooksackie, Redford and Plattsburgh, 
in the latter place, both wholesale and retail dry 
goods and groceries. His father, Jeptha Hewitt, 
bom in Tinmouth, Vt., 1780, was a fifer in Capt. 
Septa Fillmore's company in 1813. Henry died in 
Milwaukee. While in Plattsburgh Mr. Hewitt was a 
member of the firm of Hewitt, Stoddard and Piatt 
(Moss K.) and lived in the home built by Ephraim 
Buck, which he changed materially. 

1909 Elizabethtown celebrated the return of the 

County Seat, " after a perilous journey of five years." 
with ringing of bells, songs, speeches and fireworks. 

NOVEMBER 6 

1712 EUzabeth Corse (Casse), at the age of sixteen, 

married Jean Dumontel of St. Lambert. Her first 
child, she named Mary for her aunt, the wife of 
Dea. French, who had been killed with her baby 
boy, John, on the retreat from Deerfield. 

1837 The Sons of Liberty (the club of the insurrec- 

tionists) and the Doric club (the opposing club of 
the English), after many altercations, came into 
collision. Dr. Nelson carried everything before him 
by his impassionate oratory, and thirteen resolutions, 
declaring the rights of man, were passed. 

1901 Chazy Public Library organized. The building 

for the library was given by Julius C, Hubbell of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 369 

Ellenburgh, Wash., and the books, by Edmund 
Seymour of New York, both grandsons of " Squire " 
Hubbell, who built the substantial stone structure 
opposite his home in 1811-12 and used it as a law 
office more than sixty-seven years. For a week, in 
1 813, Gen. Wade Hampton made the office his head- 
quarters, receiving here the disastrous news of his 
Chateaugay expedition, which so wTOught upon the 
temper of that irascible officer as to occasion remark, 
whereupon his son, who was aide to his father, 
replied: "Yes, he's so crabbed you can't touch 
him with a rod pole." British officers spent one 
night here on the retreat from Plattsburgh and the 
old door was tarred and feathered three times by 
the enemy. 

NOVEMBER 7 

1763 This evening the 3 Batteaux returned from 

Crown Point loaded with provisions. — Gilliland. 

1766 Paid off Isaac Williams and John Smith, who 

went away. — Idem. 

1798 South Hero was a second time divided and the 

northern part named Middle Hero. Timothy Pearl, 
Jedidiah Hyde and Daniel Samson, all from Con- 
necticut, came soon after 1785. Then Wesson 
Macomber, Daniel Hoag and James Tobias came 
from Dutchess county, N. Y. Macomber and Hoag 
cleared the land, sowed winter wheat, built log 
houses and returned to their old homes for the winter. 
In the spring of 1787, they brought their families by 
boat. Ezra Kinney arrived from Connecticut when 
but two houses had been built. Grinday Reynolds 
brought a family of ten children. By 1801, the 
Friends on the island had organized a meeting and a 



370 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

log meeting house was built on the shore near the 
Mosher Hoag (now Vantine) place, and this was also 
used for a school. At the time of the battle on Cum- 
berland bay, the Friends, at the regular hour, gath- 
ered in this building to hold "first day services," 
apparently oblivious to the roar of battle from three 
to six miles away, since their faith prevented any 
participation in the conflict. 

1813 Evening of the 7th. The first artillery train 

arrived, when Gens. Bloomfield and Mooers discussed 
with me the plans of coming engagements. Orders 
sent out in various directions to the Rangers, and in- 
formation to the Indians. — Williams. 

1835 The Young Men's Association for Mutual Im- 

provement was formed in Plattsburgh. The officers 
were: George Moore, President; John H. Sanborn, 
Vice-President; I. W. R. Bromley, Corresponding 
Secretary; R. G. Stone, Recording Secretary; T. P. 
Cady, Treasurer; Lucius Boardman, L. D. Brock and 
I Caleb Nichols, Executive Committee; Ways and 
Means, etc., Bela Edgerton, Dr. Edward Kane and 
H. Boardman; Constitution and By-Laws, I. W. R. 
Bromley, Horace Boardman and R. G. Stone. 

NOVEMBER 8 

1775 A committee consisting of Robert R.Livingston 

Robert Treat Paine and J. Langdon was sent by the 
Continental Congress to Ticonderoga to consult with 
Gen. Schuyler as to the condition of the fortifications 
and reinforcements needed for Canada. 

1813 Williams "started for Albany, arriving there on 

the loth, dined with the Commander-in-Chief, received 
his instructions." He wrote in his diary, "St. Regis 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 371 

is taken, prisoners secured and the first flag captured 
from the British." 

1864 Orrel Town, Sheriff of Clinton county, ordered 

from Capt. B. M. Beckwith of Co. A, Home Guard, a 
detail for patrol duty "of thirty men, good and true, 
to patrol the streets within the corporation of the 
town of Plattsburgh, commencing at the hour of 
nine o'clock P. M. till sunrise of the morning of the 
ninth of November, under the following orders, that 
no guns or pistols shall be fired during that time 
unless imperative necessity requires it." That elec- 
tion night was one of the quietest ever known in 
Plattsburg for, after 9 o'clock not a person other than 
the guards was to be seen upon the streets. 

The guard that night was F. H. Cramer, officer 
of the guard; H. A. Woodruff and E. C. Miller, ser- 
geants; E. G. Moore and G. E. Barber, corporals; 
privates, M. F. Parkhurst, Henry C. Sanborn, F. 
Hoag, James A. Hagar, Julius D. Beckwith. C. H. 
Cottrill, J. H. Towne, T. S. Rogers, F. E. Booth, 
George W. Watson, W. E. Reed, James Delany, 
H. M. Witherill, E. Crosby, O. C. Gregg, H. W. Cady, 
Thomas Shields, T. E. Derochers, Peter J. Tormey, 
Fred E. Sanborn, J. K. Myers, William Myers, W.H. 
Griffin, C. Gunn, W. H. Durkee, G. H. Webb, H. W. 
Brown, E. W. Pierce, H. Walworth, John McCadden, 
E. S. Ames, Giles Morrill. 

NOVEMBER 9 

1713 Capt. John Stoddard and the Rev. John Wil- 

liams reached Northampton, having left Boston the 
5th, and were joined by Capt. Thomas Baker and 
Martin Kellogg, who had been captured with Eunice 
but had succeeded in escaping. There were two 
others in the party as they set out for Albany on 
their Canadian mission. 



XJ2 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1785 Charles Piatt wrote from Crown Point to his 

brother, Zephaniah, " Dutchess county," saying: — 

" I left home the 5th Inst, all well have got all the Logs 
on the Crib and mostly filled with dirt and finished according 
to Directions, have called on Mr. Ferris for the wheat, tis not 
yet delivered and I think tis not likely that any of it will be. 
I shall get that at Col. Strong's to-day and return as soon as 
possible. I have purchased some wheat, as much as I shall 
want for the winter and more. Mr. Wait bro't me about 3 
Barrels of Beef and some potatoes, the steer here shall kill and 
take home and shall husband everything to best advantage, 
the Bearer hereof Mr. Ball has been to Plattsburgh to view 
the Country and likes it well, there has been Numbers of People 
to view and purchase since you left it but I had no direction, 
nor no plan of the Town. I could give little satisfaction more 
than shall give all encouragement Possible. 

I called at Willsboro and learn that a Certain W Pope 
& Co have taken Ross Mills and fixing them to Run this fall 
and have actually got a Charter for a City and laid it out by 
the name of Clinton, and are going do Great Business they 
say. So that hope you will forward Matters as early in the 
spring as possible that we may vie with them." 

1864 Death of Maria D. (Kirtland) Myers, wife 

of Lawrence Myers and daughter of John and 
Lucy (Burbank) Kirtland of Granville. Memorial 
windows in the First Presb3rterian Church perpetuate 
the memory of Mr. Myers and his wife and in memory 
of their son, John Henry Myers, his widow, has, in 
1909, given the equipment of the new Y. M. C. A. 
Gymnasium. 

1868 Henry Lobdell from Danby, Vt., one of the 

original settlers of Schuyler Falls, died at the age 
of 86, respected by all who knew him. He was a son 
of Darius, Jr. (born at 9 Partners) and Angeleek 
Secor, daughter of a French soldier accompanying 
Lafayette. A farmer as well as blacksmith, Henry 
Lobdell, found a market for the produce from his 
500 acres in Albany. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 373 

1894 Reception in the Normal school building by the 

citizens of Plattsburgh to the officers of the Twenty- 
first Infantry. 

NOVEMBER 10 

Nature will be found as busy in November as in April — 
perhaps more so, if we could count all her shifts and stitches. 

— Buckham. 

1787 In a " frame house low on the ground " at 

Burlington, John Boynton, one of a family of nine, 
seven boys and two girls, was bom. His father 
had come a pioneer, about 1780, from New Hamp- 
shire through an almost unbroken wilderness, bring- 
ing his family on horseback. The father and all 
the sons were among the first engaged in navigation 
on Lake Champlain for the transportation of merchan- 
dise and passengers. 

1792 A public meeting was held at the Block House 

in Plattsburgh for the purpose of choosing trustees 
to take in charge the temporalities of the congrega- 
tion of the town, and to form a corporation by the 
name and style of the Trustees of the Presbyterian 
Church and Congregation of Plattsburgh and to call 
a minister. The trustees chosen were :— John Addoms , 
Charles Piatt, Nathaniel Piatt, Melancton L. Woolsey,' 
John Ransom, Nathan Averill. 

1815 Vermont granted to John Winans, A. W. Bow- 

man, C. P. Van Ness, and E. D. Woodbridge the 
sole and exclusive right of building and navigating 
vessels on the Vermont waters of Lake Champlain 
" by the force of steam " for a period of twenty- 
three years. 

1819 ^^ A dark day throughout the Champlain Valley, 
" from about 2 o'clock p. m. candles were necessary 
in transacting business within doors." 



374 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1825 Commodore Thomas Macdonough, the hero of 

Lake Champlain, died at sea. 

1836 The wedding day of David R., son of David 

Parsons and Lillis M. Mason, daughter of Aaron 
and Margaret (Hodgkins) Mason, whose home was 
on one of the roads leading into the Military Turn- 
pike. The bride's pioneer mother, (born on Long 
Island, about 1790) while alone with her children, 




'1/ 

COMMODORE MACDONOUGH, 1783-1825 

was awakened by the sound of some large animal 
clambering down the kitchen chimney. With quick 
wit, Mrs. Mason kindled a brisk fire and vanquished 
the intruder, which proved to be a panther (Cana- 
dian lynx). 

1851 Mary E. White, wife of George Moore, died aged 

44 years. Twenty years before she had gone forth 
a bride from her father's house (now Home of the 
Friendless) on Broad street. This house (later known 
as the Benjamin Ketchum house) young Matthew 
Standish built for his step-father, Elijah White of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 3/5 

Granville. George Moore was a son of Samuel, who, 
with his brother Andrew, settled in Plattsburgh. 
Another brother, Allen, located in Champlain and 
afterwards in Granville. 

1 869 Major-General John Ellis Wool died at Troy, N. Y, 

1871 On Friday evening, the old Academy building 

was burned. No more would its scarred and bat- 
tered walls, pitted with shot tell of the siege of 
Plattsburgh, nor the " Angel Gabriel " blow his 
trumpet in the winds of Heaven. 



NOVEMBER 11 

1763 ^dispatched 3 Batteaux to Crown Point for some 

of the provisions and they returned loaded the 14th. 

— Gilliland. 

1766 John Smith returned to my employ, and to con- 

tinue at 45s. per mo. to ist April next, then to take 
a farm. — Idem. 

1813 Returned north — and in the afternoon heard 

heavy cannonading in direction of the lines. Troops 
were sent out from many ways to this point, and 
before going myself issued orders to the whole Corps 
of Observation. — Williams. 

1857 Isaac Smith, son of Allen Smith, patriot and 

pioneer from Connecticut, died at the home of his 
birth. He, with his brother, Harvey, and the 
children of the neighboring McCrady, Piatt and 
Miller famiHes, attended the early school taught by 
Mr. Halsey in the frame building in his front yard. 
As early as 1785 or 1786 a school had been kept by 
one Samuel Young and, about 1805-6, a Mr Taylor 
kept a school in " Judge Piatt's old Dutch barn," 



376 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

which still stands at the end of Oak street, where it 
was moved by Capt. Boynton from its original site 
west of the Boynton house. To Mr. Halsey's school, 
Benjamin J. Mooers used to trudge all the way from 
his uncle's home on the Head. 

1908 Installation of the Rev. John Bailey Kelly as the 

fourteenth pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. 
This solemn service was conducted by the Presbytery 
of Champlain, the Rev. John A. Macintosh of Malone, 
Moderator of Presbytery, presiding and preaching 
the sermon. The impressive Charge to the Pastor 
was given by the Rev. Joseph T. Kelly, D. D., of 
Washington, D. C, father of the pastor-elect, and 
the Rev. W. C. Taylor of Keeseville gave the Charge to 
the People. 

NOVEMBER 12 

1687 A formidable party of Iroquois attacked the 

stone fort at Chambly and though the garrison made 
a successful resistance, the flourishing settlement 
that had sprung up around it was ravaged and several 
captives taken. Soon the whole country between the 
St. Lawrence and Richelieu swarmed with savages, 
"like the leaves of the forest in number and stronger 
than the mighty oak," and the governor, M. de 
Denonville, was compelled to make peace, which the 
savages hesitated not to break within a twelfth month, 

1772 Birth, at Spencertown, N. Y., of Benjamin, 

youngest son of Noadiah Moore. He was named for 
his grandfather, Benjamin Moore, of Poquonock, 
Conn., who was in the Louisburgh expedition and 
died at Cape Breton in 1746. Young Benjamin 
married Martha, daughter of Joseph Corbin, In 
1797 he settled in Champlain and was the first 
physician to remain there and for fifteen years the 
only one. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 377 

1892 J. Gregory Smith, Vermont's war governor, died 

at his home in St. Albans, his native place. A prac- 
tical farmer and representative of the agricultural 
interests of the Green Mountain state and a gradu- 
ate of its university, he was also widely known as 
a railroad pioneer and manager in Champlain Valley 
for a third of a century. Just previous to the St. 
Alban's raid, Bennett Young, who proved to be the 
leader, called at the governor's and politely asked per- 
mission to inspect the grounds and stables. This was 
readily accorded him. The raiders made their escape 
on stolen horses. Little Dorothy Smith, a grand- 
daughter of the governor, was chosen with Master 
Harry Hill of Buffalo, a great-grandson of Caleb Hill, 
a martyr of the War of 181 2, at Isle La Motte to 
unveil the boulder erected on that island in 1909. 

The stately organ pipes, o'erlaid with gold, 

Look down on reverent worshipers. — Buckhatn. 

1909 Inaugural organ recital given in the First Pres- 

byterian church by J. Warren Andrews, organist of 
the Church of the Divine Paternity, New York City, 
assisted by Miss Grace Bullock, soprano, of Boston. 
The new organ was built by the Estey Organ com- 
pany of Brattleboro, Vt., and has pneumatic action 
throughout. 

NOVEMBER 13 

1773 Birth of Joseph Israel Green, son of Israel 

(bom in Westchester county, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1743- 
4) and Sarah (Deane) Green of Nine Partners. Israel 
Green was associated with the Platts in Dutchess 
county and, like them, settled in Plattsburgh. All 
were originally from Long Island. The people of 
Nine Partners were life tenants of the patentees 
and had no fee simple title as had those who had 
settled on the " Oblong Strip." Here a clear title 



2/8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

could be obtained after the adjustment of the bound- 
ary line between New York and Connecticut had 
been concluded and to this came many families from 
Rhode Island, among them Friend Barlow Green 
of Warwick, whose son, Israel (born Jan. 26, 1726), 
is easily confused with Israel of Nine Partners. 

1775 General Prescott surrenders, not only his fleet, 

but a large part of the garrison of Montreal and 
many persons of civil and military prominence who 
had sought safety on the vessels, to Montgomery 
who now enters the city. 

1909 Wesleyan University honors President Matthew 

H. Buckham, D. D., of the University of Vermont, 
one of the foremost educators and thinkers of New 
England as well as of Champlain Valley, with the 
degree of LL. D. Though of English birth and 
Scotch-English parentage. President Buckham has 
spent most of his life in Burlington and is a graduate 
of its University, with which he has been connected 
either as a professor or president for more than half 
a century. Since 1871, when he was called to the 
presidency, the University has shown a steady growth 
and the gathering, at its Centennial in July, 1904 of 
college presidents and delegates with representa- 
tives of the United States Supreme Court and of the 
Army, Navy and States Courts, was a notable one. 

NOVEMBER 14 

And there's never a bird on bough or spray, 
Alas, how dreary: — Buckham. 

1869 In the white house, built for a boarding house 

for the Academy on the hill straight up from the 
dock at Westport, but the home for many years of 
John Hatch Low, " Squire Low," as he was famil- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 379 

iarly called, was gathered to his fathers. He was 
bom Sept. 17, 1799, in Brookfield, town of Wills- 
boro, whither his father, Wilson Low (a drummer 
boy under Washington at Valley Forge) had come 
with his brother-in-law, Charles Hatch, both pioneers 
from Connecticut. In 1801 they moved to Bessboro, 
now Westport, and there from 1823, John Hatch 
Low, the youngest of his father's family, engaged in 
mercantile business and held various town offices. 
He was postmaster many years when that office 
was kept in the stone building owned by the Lows 
but burned in the 70s. His wife, Eliza Rising, was 
a daughter of Asahel Rising, a custom house official 
under Peter Sailly, and Hannah Perkins (of the 
Massachusetts family famous in the settlement of Cleve- 
land, Ohio). Of their ten children but two survive. 

1884 This week the new County Building, ordered 

by the Supervisors of CHnton county, was occupied 
for the first time. 

At Sunnyside, Plainfield, N. J., Letitia M., 
beloved wife of the late Lawrence Myers, Esq., passed 
to the life beyond. She was the daughter of the 
Rev. Frederick Halsey and the last of his family. 
Her young womanhood was spent in beautiful devo- 
tion to her aged parents and to the church of which 
he was the first pastor. Here she gave her services 
as organist many years and to the end retained 
an affectionate interest in its welfare. 

The new organ in the Presbyterian Church 
dedicated and used in divine service for the first time. 

Where Time's great organ stands in spaces dim, 
God sets some lives to shine and some to hide. 
But in the darkened chamber where they bide 

The hidden reeds breathe sweetest praise to Him — 

— Buckham. 



1909 



380 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

NOVEMBER 15 

1809 Arrival at Sudbury, Ohio, after a journey of two 

months and eleven days from Peru, N. Y., of Cyrus 
Benedict with his wife and three children. In 
December, 1810, they removed to Peru township, 
Morrow county, their log cabin being the first in that 
township. Two years later the aged parents of Cyrus 
also came and within a decade "the rest of the Bene- 
dicts, Bucks, Bunkers, Earls, Osboms and Handlys" 
followed them. When Grandmother Benedict died 
in 1 82 1 "she had one hundred and two descendants, 
all except two of whom lived within 16 miles of her." 
Hannah, her daughter-in-law, died in 1862 and was 
buried in the Friends' Cemetery near the Alum Creek 
Meeting House, Peru township. 

There has a kindly feeling grown 

Among that people, firm and high, 
Like some strong bulwark upward thrown, 
To shield when foemen's grape reply. 

— '■ The Hamlet " by Byron Sunderlin. 

1863 The Rev. Luke Harney, a native of Schuyler 

Falls, said his first mass as pastor of Port Henry, 
where he labored with great success during the fol- 
lowing sixteen years and built up the Messiah church 
at Mineville, besides looking after the churches at 
Westport, Crown Point and Hammondville. 



NOVEMBER 16 

1803 Birth of Charles Frederick Halsey, oldest son^'of 

the Rev. Frederick. Following in the footsteps of his 
honored father, he w^as licensed by Champlain Pres- 
bytery in 1835 and ordained the next year. The Rev. 
Charles Frederick had a family of eleven children, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 381 

the same number as his grandparents, Cornelius and 
Mehcant (Rogers) Halsey in Long Island. Removing 
west in 58, he preached at Fosterburgh, 111., where 
he died m 1882. «= » . 

'^^^ T.M1 ^^'^^^ ""^ ^''^- ^^P^^ Fillmore, a cousin of Millard 
Filhiiore and one of the first settlers of Chazy village 
where he built a hotel of logs in 1799. His wife a 
sister of Bela Edgerton, came in the winter of 18^0 
her father taking her in a sleigh as far as Middleburv' 
yt , where she was met by her husband. For months 
before the battle of Plattsburgh, officers boarded at 
Fillmore s tavern. There was a separate bake house 
and at one time several hundred loaves of bread 
were baked and handed as fast as possible through a 
window to soldiers on their way to Plattsburgh 
Dunng the War of 1812 Landlord Fillmore com- 
manded a company of mihtia. 

Henry Harrison Markham was born in Wilming 
ton and received his education at the schools of 
his native place and at Wheeler's academy, Vermont 
In 1861 he removed to Wisconsin, from which state 
he entered the army and was with Sherman on his 
famous march to the sea. Though he never fullv 
recovered from a wound received at the battle of 
\^ hippy Swamp, he settled in Cahfornia in 1878 was 
successful m business, was elected to Congress made 
a manager of the National Soldiers' Home ;nd in 
1890 elected governor of California bv the Republi- 



1840 



1841 



cans 



The MacDonough, valued at twelve thousand 
dollars, was wrecked on a reef in Panton Bay. 

'^^^ F "^^u^u^ "^tf ^^^^^^^ '^^^^b^^' ^idow of Gen 
Ezra Thurber. Their marriage occurred March 15, 



382 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1806. Both were from Massachusetts; he, from 
Dartmouth; she, from Athol, where she was bom 
September 2, 1781. In 1803 Rouse's Point, then 
rising fifteen feet above high water mark, contained 
but six small huts. Soon, however, Ezra Thurber 
built the first frame house. 



NOVEMBER 17 

1763 Mr. Gilliland wrote (probably from memoranda 

kept by his steward during his absence). — "began to 
make a road from Mill town to R. McAwley's bam." 

1817 The " Rev. Frederick Halsey assumed charge 

of the Academy as Principal, with Miss Cook as 
Lady Principal." 

1836 The last preparative meeting (like a local church 

service) was held in the meeting-house at Grand 
Isle. After that the building stood little used until 
demoUshed in 1880, and the title to the land passed 
to others about 1904. The Hixite controversy had 
brought about internal troubles for the Society of 
Friends at large and aided in tearing down what 
persecution had built up. The sole survivor of this 
faith who has not accepted other religious connec- 
tions, is Friend Joseph T. Macomber. A man of 
rare intelligence and kindliness, he lives at peace 
with all and is greatly beloved by his neighbors. 
A horticulturist of no mean standing, he is especially 
successful with small fruits and flowers, and has a 
green house full of the latter. 

In 1899, descendants of Friends brought an 
immense boulder from the west shore, near the site 
of the original log meeting-house and placed it in 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 383 

the Friend's cemetery, opposite the site of the last 
edifice. Chiseled in the rock is the following: 

ERECTED A. D. 1899 

IN 

MEMORY OF 

THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS 

IN 

1827 

They erected a meeting house near this spot, where 
for 50 years they worshiped God. They stood for 
freedom of Conscience, universal peace, spirituality 
of worship. Having finished their labors they here 
lie buried and their works do follow them. 

( " Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." 

— John, 15-14. 

Daniel Hoag, 1 761-1809 

Wesson Macomber, 1 764-1818 

Wyman Chamberlain, 1 772-1838 

Warren Corbin, 1 769-1834 

James Tobias, 1759-1810 
Jonathan Griffith, 

Mosher Hoag, 1807 

Lavinia C. Hoag, 1 804-1 891 

James Hoag, 1 805-1 897 

Anna T. Hoag, 1 821-1888 

Seth Hoag, 1 798-1887 

Sarah Hoag, 1 798-1880 

NOVEMBER 18 

1766 — the navigation of our river from the spring 

■^ well to Chism's was this day stop'd by ice. 

— Gilliland. 



^S4 Three Centuries in Champlain Vallky 

1771 The marriage of John Sax and Catherine^Weaver 

took place at the home of her parents at Rhinebeck. 
The bride is described as of unusual beauty, having 
a fair complexion with black hair and eyes. She 
was then 27 years old and the groom, 39. He was 
a miller and cooper by trade and for some years had 
been in charge of flouring mills at Valley Forge 
before his removal to New York City, whence he had 
come to Rhinebeck. There, or in the vicinity, he 
lived nineteen years and there their eight sons were 
bom. Mrs. Weaver's sister, Elizabeth, married 
Conrad Barr and both families removed to Highgate. 
Another sister became the wife of George Fellows. 

1813 Came back from the lines to Plattsburgh, at 

night, having obeyed orders in every particular, 
sent my report to Chief. — Williams. 

1885 The new Methodist Episcopal Church in Platts- 

burgh was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. 

Great God! we consecrate to Thee 
All that we are or hope to be; 

This earthly temple, too. 
Grant that Thy radiance, so divine, 
To light Thine altar here may shine, 
As pure as angels' view. 
Song at Dedication of M. E. Church, Middlebury, Vt., by 
Byron Sunderlin, D. D., Shoreham, Vt. — Washington, D. C. 

NOVEMBER 19 

1819 A year or so after the organization of a Metho- 

dist Episcopal Church in Plattsburgh village, a class 
was formed with David Brock as leader. The 
original members were: — Sheldon Durkee, Ann Dur- 
kee, Mary Bacon, Maria Haynes, Polly Averill, 
Patience Miller, John Wells (from whom Wells street 
is named) and Michael McDermott, to which were 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 385 

now added John Addams and wife (parents of the 
Rev. J. Townsend Addams who settled in 1802 at 
West Plattsburgh) , David Brock, Philena Brock, 
Phebe Edgerton, Ann Smith, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Joseph I. Green. PubHc services were held until 
1831 in the Court House. Among the communicants 
was " Black Maria Haynes," a pathetic sight, going 
solitary and alone to the table of her Lord. 

1865 St. Peter's Church of Plattsburgh dedicated by 

Bishop Conroy, assisted by seventeen priests. Father 
G. Thibault of Longueil, C. E., preaching the sermon. 



NOVEMBER 20 

1759 In the service at Crown Point, Samuel, son of 

Eleazer Graves of Athol, Mass., died and, in 1760, on 
his way home from the army at Crown Point, Adon- 
ijah Ball, a brother of Corporal Moses Ball of the Rev- 
olution, died at Saratoga. These were sons of Isaac 
and Rachel Ball, who had removed from Brookfield, 
Mass., to Athol. Eleazer Graves, with his brother 
Nathaniel, the Smiths, Aaron and Ephriam, Mortons, 
Richard and Samuel, Olivers, William, John, James, 
and Robert, was of the original company formed at 
Hatfield for the settlement of Athol. "The Olivers 
were direct from Ireland, stout hardy, resolute men," 
and in the early part of the nineteenth century, 
Thomas Oliver, a descendant bought the Gen. 
Mooers house on the Head. The slave quarters 
where the slaves were locked at night, were still 
intact and the eleven fireplaces furnished sufficient 
brick for the "bricking-up" of the entire structure 
as it now stands. 

1763 20th and 21st Nov., Wm. Luckey, and John 

Watson divided the hay. — GilUland. 



?86 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1775 The Green Mountain Boys, who had enlisted 

under Warner, not having suitable clothing to with- 
stand the rigors of a Canadian winter, were honorably 
discharged and returned to their homes. 

1813 A Council of War to-day, in which I was made 

conspicuous as the only person who could give the 
desired information. In the Council disclosures were 
made in relation to the plans, which were contrary 
to my expectations, and far from being honorable to 
the public service. The decision, however, may yet 
be reversed, but in the meantime outspoken demon- 
stration must be made by the American army of its 
intended invasion of the British Province. The 
Rangers report the enemy is not so formidable in our 
front as to give any fear of unfavorable result if our 
advance was made upon them. The Canadians are 
still unwilHng to bear arms against the Americans, 
since they had a skirmish with the royal troops at 
La Chine in August last. They are forced into the 
service, and are not to be depended on. — Williams. 

1841 The Trustees of School Districts Nos. i and 2 

united the libraries into one under the name of the 
Union Library. To this collection of about 240 vol- 
umes, the Academy library of some 150 volumes was 
soon added and, by voluntary contributions and pur- 
chases, a library of 2,500 volumes was collected. 
This was kept in the second story of Fireman's Hall, 
on the site of the present Town Hall, on the South 
side of the Park, which was burned with all it con- 
tained in the great fire of August, 1849. 

NOVEMBER 21 

1816 Col. Stephen Pearl, one of the most striking char- 

acters among the early settlers of Burlington died, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 387 

at his home, where for many years distinguished 
strangers "from within or without the state" and the 
poor and friendless aHke had been received with 
generous hospitality. Col. Pearl was a captain at 
Bunker Hill, a colonel of the Rutland county militia 
and present at the "Rutland Shay's Rebellion," also 
town clerk of Burlington and sheriff of the coimty. 

1819 "Transportation of merchandise on the canal has 

already commenced." 

— From a letter written from Whitehall 
to Plattsburgh. 

1832 John Henry Hopkins, Bishop of Vermont, began 

his permanent residence at Burlington, his first 
Episcopal act being the consecration of the recently 
finished stone church. The same day Joseph Hoag, 
the Friend to whom, in the eighth or ninth month in 
the year 1803, in a remarkable vision, approaching 
di\isions in the various religious sects, among the 
Free Masons and between the Northern and Southern 
States, had been revealed, set out to perform a reli- 
gious visit to Friends in Upper Canada. The first stop 
was made at Chateaugay, but there the people 
"appeared fixed in a choice of a popular reHgion," 
so that the gospel seemed to make but little impres- 
sion. This journey included a visit to the Yearly 
Meeting of Philadelphia. 

1846 Friend Joseph Hoag finished his course in his 85 th 

year at his home in Charlotte, Vt., to which he had 
come, in 1789 or '90, from his native place, Dutchess 
county, N. Y. He was the eldest child of Elijah and 
Phebe Hoag, Friends who settled in Oblong, where, in 
1777, the father was seized, carried to Esopas (King- 
ston) and put on board the fleet-prison on account of 
his faith. The journeys of Joseph Hoag, extending 



388 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

from Nova Scotia through New England and the 
Southern States and west to the Mississippi, lasted for 
many months and were attended by many hardships, 
but, upheld by the "inner light," he never faltered. 

1906 Commander Leroy Mason Garrett was swept 

from the deck of his vessel, the United States Fisheries 
steamer Albatross, when about 500 miles northeast 
of Honolulu. Commander Garrett was born in Beek- 
mantowTi in 1857 and entered Annapolis from Platts- 
burgh in 1875, A monument to his memory in 
Arlington Cemetery, erected by his mother, Mrs. 
Esther Dunning, is the first in the cemetery to the 
memory of one not interred there. 

NOVEMBER 22 

1766 — this day paid of Frans Galland, who this 

day went away. — Gilliland. 

1772 John, son of EHsha and Elizabeth (Fish) Allen, 

married Phoebe, daughter of Joseph and Rachel 
(Smith) Deuel. John first settled in Cambridge, 
Washington county, on a farm near his father, but 
during the war they went back to Dutchess county, 
afterwards returning with six children. About 1810 
they removed to Peru, now Ausable, Clinton county, 
where both died, John, in 1825 and his wife, Phoebe, 
in 1845. They were the parents of fifteen children. 
Several of their sons settled on part of the original 
tract purchased by their father at Allen's hill. 

1837 On the Chambly road near Longueuil, the first 

blood was shed in the " Great Insurrection." This 
event followed the arrest by a troop of horse of 
Demaray, a notary, and Dr. D' Avignon, both from 
St. John's and sympathizers in the cause. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 389 

NOVEMBER 23 

1794 In a log cabin standing in a clearing to which 

his father had come in March, 1792, Richard Keese, 
Jr. was bom. " The mother of Richard Keese 
(Anna Hallock) would have been a notable woman 
wherever found." His father, in 181 2, became the 
owner of most of the land on which the village of 
Keeseville now stands and was prominent in the 




gilbert THAYER, LL. D., 

Popular Educator from Essex County. 

Upbuilding of its industries. At his death in 1821 
his son Richard succeeded to his place and became a 
leading figure, especially in the iron business in its 
various branches. In 1826 he was elected to Congress 
and later served as one of the judges of the old Clinton 
Common Pleas. For years Judge Keese was the only 
Democrat who could be elected supervisor for the 
old town of Peru. In those days Keeseville was most 
prosperous. The new academy building was erected 



290 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

on the site of the old in 1845 and about 1852 Gilbert 
Thayer, a grandson of Silas, one of the first settlers 
ol Wilmington, became principal. Immediately the 
attendance increased from 60 to over 200, students 
flocking to the school from all parts of Essex county 
and the southern tovv^ns of Clinton. Among the 
students were many who in after years became 
men of note, among them the Rev. Joseph Cook, 
Bishop Goodsell, Louis N. Beaudry, " the lamented 
chaplain," Osceola Kyle, a popular educator of 
Vermont, and Erastus Bullard, who became principal 
of a large female college of Illinois, where Mr. Thayer 
also removed, becoming a leading educator of the 
State. 




LOUIS JOSEPH PAPINEAU, 

The Canadian Patriot, 1 786-1871. 



1837 The battle of St. Denis, the opening combat of 

the " Great Insurrection " in Canada, was fought. 
This uprising was soon put down by regular troops. 
Dr. Nelson, a prominent figure in the insurrection 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 391 

was exiled but the bill of general amnesty gave him 
a chance to return to Canada, where, in 1845, he 
was honored by election to Parliament and in 1854 
became mayor of Montreal. Louis Joseph Papineau, 
the Canadian statesman whose impassioned oratory 
in defense of the liberties of the people had given 
rise to the rebellion, also returned from exile and 
died peacefully at Montebello, his beautiful home on 
the Ottawa river about 50 miles below Ottawa, 
Sept. 17, 187 1. 

NOVEMBER 24 

1711 Martha French, given by her Indian captors to 

the Sisters of the Congregation, and receiving the 
additional name of Marguerite, was married to 
Jacques Roi of St. Lambert. Her sister Freedom, 
now Marie Francoise French, was one of the witnesses. 

1763 — ^began to clear a road to south meadow from 

the lake, and to make a yard for cattle at Wm. 
Luckey's lot. — Gilliland. 



NOVEMBER 25 

1799 Charles Marsh and Martha Howe, daughter of 

John Howe, were married in Plattsburgh. In com- 
pany with the Howe family from Canaan, Conn., 
Charles Marsh, then a young man about twenty, a 
native of Salisbury, Conn., settled in Beekmantown 
as early as 1795 or earlier; Mr. Marsh and his wife 
were both members of the Presbyterian Church of 
Beekmantown and he was an Elder. They had ten 
children. The main body of the right wing of the 
British army passed their home on the march to 
Plattsburgh and many a shot left its mark on their 
dwelling. 



392 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1838 The spirit of Margaret Miller Davidson took its 

flight. Her earthly remains rest in the cemetery at 
Saratoga, Lucretia's mantle had indeed fallen upon 
her sister whose life had burned itself out in the same 
way after only fifteen years and eight months. The 
development of this baby sister, Lucretia had watched 
with greatest delight, prophesying for her the same 
poetic genius. Margaret, in turn, imbued with this 




MARGARET MILLER DAVIDSON 



idea sought to fulfil it. The love of both for their 
own home and family was consuming as the titles 
of many of their poems show, among them: — "To 
My Old Home at Plattsburgh," " To my Mother on 
Christmas Day," " On the Birth of a Sister," " To 
Brother L— ," "To Margaret's Eye," etc. 

NOVEMBER 26 

1766 John McAuley with some hands, went to Canada 

for wheat; this day we had the first snow storm, an 
inch deep. — GUlikmd. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 393 

1769 Israel Green was under discipline at Nine Part- 

ners meeting, 

1785 " Margarite (Eunice Williams), mother-in-law of 

Onasategen," was buried at Caughnawaga. She 
was eighty-nine years old. 

1789 Coi. John Trumbull arrived in New York, fresh 

from the opening scenes of the French Revolution. 
He continued his painting and just previous to the 
War of 181 2, petitioned the New York Legislature 
to allow his wife (of English birth) to own property 




JUDGE JONAS PLATT. 
From portrait by Samuel F. B. Morse now owned by Mrs. M. P. Myers. 

in this country. On the final vote Senator Jonas 
Piatt stood alone in voting in favor of the petition 
m recognition of which Trumbull painted the por- 
trait of the Judge (opposite page 192) placing the 
date of the vote and following motto on the back:— 

" Justum et tenacem propositi virum, non civium ardor 
prava jubentium mente quatit solida."—- A just man and tenacious 
of the nght, no popular passion shakes him from his firm purpose " 



394 Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 

NOVEMBER 27 

1755 Gen. Johnson, having dismissed the New Eng- 

land militia, left 6oo men to garrison the new Fort 
WilHam Henry and went into winter quarters. 

1771 Gov. Tryon of New York issued a proclamation, 

offering a reward of twenty pounds each, for the 
arrest of Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, Remember 
Baker and some others. 

1775 " I shall set out by land to-morrow morning 

for Ticonderoga, and proceed with the utmost des- 
patch, as knowing our whole dependence for cannon 
will be from that post." 

— Col. Henry Knox at New York to Washing- 
ton at Cambridge. 

1786 The first girl born at North Hero — Dame Knight, 

a daughter of John Knight. To Enos Wood was bom 
the first boy, to whom the name of Adin was given. 

1819 The Plattsburgh Republican of this date has 

the following notice : 

" ASSIZE OF BREAD 

" Two pounds eight ounces. 

" Agreeable to the by-laws of the village of 
Plattsburgh, it is ordered that a shilling loaf, made of 
good wheat-flour, shall weigh two pounds and 
eight ounces, and a sixpenny loaf one poimd and 
foiir ounces, until a further order. 

" G. Sperry, President." 

1890 At the advanced age of 94, Juha (Lynde) 

Nichols, widow of John Nichols, died at the home of 
her son, Col. George Nichols. She was a daughter 
of the Revolutionary soldier, Jonathan Lynde and 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 395 

his wife, Molly Franklin, early settlers of Essex 
County, their eldest daughter, Elizabeth, bom March 
4, 1784, being the first white child bom in Wills- 
boro, Essex County. 

" It is the spirit of our brave and loyal ancestors that we 
want; the spirit that led women like Molly Franklin Lynde to 
keep the wild beast and the red man at bay, guarding their 
children with musket and ax, while the husband and father 
fought his share of the battle for country and freedom in the 
ranks of the army far away." 

— Miss Helen Palmer at the unveiling of the Gen. Mooers' 
Memorial Tablet. 

NOVEMBER 28 

1759 Gen. Bourlemaque withdrew most of his forces 

from the frontier, leaving 300 men under Capt, Lusig- 
nan in the stockaded fort at Isle aux Noix. At Fort 
St. John there was a garrison of 200 and to protect 
the frontier the battalion of La Reine was quartered 
at Fort Chambly. 

1766 Snow all gone. — Gilliland. 

1847 Death of Judge John S. Larrabee, who settled in 

Shoreham in 1783 and from whom Larrabee 's Point 
takes its name. He was one of the early surveyors, 
established the first regular ferry at the Point and 
became Judge of Probate and the County Court. Of 
a social nature, trustworthy and intelligent, he made 
many friends. 

NOVEMBER 29 

1752 Birth of John Allen, who, with several of his 

father's family became a pioneer of the Champlain 
Valley. He was a son of Elisha Allen of Dartmouth, 
Mass., and Washington county, N. Y. 

1763 Began to look for the cattle, having sent out 3 

men . — Gilliland. 



396 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1796 Darius Lobdell, an early settler of Danby and 

veteran of Bennington, died, his wife Mary surviving 
until 1825. "In Fall of 1763 or Spring of 1764 a 
road was laid out by Darius Lobdell and Samuel 
Rose— formerly of Nine Partners, N. Y., from Ben- 
nington to Danby, Vt." Several of the children of 
Darius located on the western side of the lake. 




GENERAL MOOERS. 



1813 Plattsburg, — I have made an arrangement with 

Gen. Mooers, in relation to my department, and I 
am preparing once more to cross the Lake for my old 
quarters at Charlotte. The enemy is rejoicing to 
see that our armies are going into winter quarters. 
Peace be with him. — Williams. 

NOVEMBER 30 
1755 — snowed all day, with some rain, this opened 

the river. — Gilliland. 

Be still, my heart! let mem'ry's touch divine, 

Bring back past joys to glad this soul of mine. 

And spread the kindly veil o'er doubt and pain. 

1 would not call back grief's but pleasure's form again. 

— Lieut. Davidson. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 397 

DECEMBER 1 

Then ho! for the field when December draws on. — Btickham, 

1759 Rogers and his remaining men reached Crown 

Point. They had punished the St. Francis Indians 
and stopped further depredations, but 49 men had 
been lost on the return trip and those left on the banks 
of the Connecticut had barely saved themselves 
from starving by eating ground nuts and lily roots. 

1766 Froze hard, the river froze again. — Gilliland. 

1775 Montgomery joined Arnold at Point aux Trem- 

bles, about twenty miles above Quebec. Benjamin 
Vaughan, son of Dr. Benjamin Vaughan, who had 
died at Manchester, N. H. in 1766, was among 
the troops who had survived the march with Arnold. 
Benjamin reached Quebec about ten days after 
Montgomery's death and there had small pox, but 
lived to serve out his enlistment and became a 
pioneer in the Champlain valley. 

1787 David Breakenridge McNeil, son of John and 

Mary (Breakenridge) McNeil, was born at Charlotte, 
Vt. In 1806, he entered the U. V. M., when Presi- 
dent Sanders and one tutor constituted the entire 
faculty. He left college in 1808 and soon removed 
to Essex, N. Y., where he studied law with Dean 
Edson and was admitted to the bar in October, 181 1. 
The preceding February he had been appointed 
lieutenant in the Essex county militia; a Httle later 
adjutant, and in July inspector of customs for the 
district of Champlain. 

1804 A road was laid out "Leading from Montie's 

Bay to Intersect the one Runing from Lake Cham- 



398 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

plain Due West on the north Line of Dean's Patent 
at Ezra Graves'. " Also, one "from Laflomboire 
bay to Barnabas Minkley's, where it mtevsects the 
Road Leading from Montie's Bay." 

1838 Death at Plattsburgh, of Elder Elias Woodruff, 

son of the Revolutionary soldier, Silas Woodruff, of 
Capt. Zephaniah Rogers' company, Suffolk county 
militia. Elias Woodruff, like Judge Treadwell, Eze- 
kial Hubbard, the Dominys and Millers, came from 
Suffolk county and settled on the State road, where 
he became the owner of several farms. His wife, 
also from Long Island, w^as Abigail Leeke. 

1909 Lake Champlain Hghtly frozen from Whitehall 

to Chimney Point. 

DECEMBER 2 

1763 — this morning began a snow storm, being found 

to be the first laying snow, and this day completed 
the road to McAwley's, which in all took 33 hands 
for one day. — Gtlliland. 

1766 The saw mill stopped, as was the turning mill 

some days ago, good walking on the ice to the mouth 
of the river. — Idem. 

1813 Mr. Sailly appointed assistants, John Palmer and 

Nathaniel H. Treadwell (keepers of public stores), 
Plattsburgh; James Campbell, French Mills; James 
S. Allen, Chateaugay; Othniel Taylor (storekeeper), 
Burlington; Justus Bellamy, Vergennes; and Messrs. 
Reed and Hart, Whitehall. 

Mr. Williams records the escape from arrest of 
Gen. Hampton, who had received timely warning at 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



399 



French Mills and secured passage on a steamer to 
Whitehall. 

1857 Altona formed from Chazy. This locaHty was 

first settled largely through the discovery of an unusu- 
ally attractive site by Simeon Wood of Shoreham, 
who had come to Plattsburgh. In 1 798, while seeking 
a yoke of oxen that had strayed away several weeks 
before from the farm of Mr. Piatt, on what is 
now the Boynton road, Wood came upon this tract 
and when on returning to Shoreham to spend the 
winter months he described it as "the handsomest 
land you ever set your eyes on, more than a thou- 
sand acres as level as a house floor and so rich 
that the nettles grow nearly as high as my head ; 
splendidly watered, too, by a spring-fed stream that 
is chock-full of trout," it was no wonder that 
Stephen, Joab and William Atwood were induced to 
become settlers. 

1871 Death of Elder Lawrence Myers, a native of 

Herkimer, who had removed to Plattsburgh, in 1828, 
from Whitehall, opening at that time a store for 
general merchandise on the northwest comer of 
Water and Bridge streets. His grandfather was 
from Holland, but his father, Joseph Myers, just 
before the Revolution, went from New Jersey to 
Herkimer. In December, 1831, Lawrence Myers, 
Chester Balch, John Boynton and Jonas Piatt were 
ordained elders of the Presbyterian church. Mr. 
Myers subsequently engaged in the lumber and iron 
business on the Saranac river. 

1882 A pubHc meeting was held to consider the build- 

ing of an opera house. A committee was appointed 
but no action taken. 



400 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DECEMBER 3 

1732 Gov. Beauharnois and the Intendant Hocquart 

deeded to Pierre de Lestage, husband of Marie Jose 
Sayer (formeriy Esther Say ward, the eight-year-old 
Indian captive from York) a large addition to his 
seigniory, for he had built the first CathoHc church 
at Berthier, about 1723, and was "worthy of it." 

1763 — began to make a road from McAwley's to 

Elizabeth bay. Yesterday we got the first part 
of our cattle, 6 in number. — Gilliland. 

1766 Snow, sent men to collect our cattle and take 

them to the meadows. Surveyed the river from the 
landing to the lake, being assisted by James Thomp- 
son. — Idem. 

Until the snow comes the book of nature lacks an index. 
— Buckham in the Record of the Snow. 

1806 Clinton Lodge, F. and A. M., was chartered by 

"the Most Worshipful the Hon. DeWitt Clinton, 
Grand Master," to "Brother Melancton Smith, to 
be first Master; our Worthy Brother Henry De 
Lord, to be Senior Warden ; and our Worthy Brother, 
George Marsh, to be Junior Warden." The charter 
still preserved, is one of the very few of that date 
in existence. The lodge flourished until the Morgan 
excitement, when its charter was surrendered. The 
"Lodge Room" was in the half-story or attic of 
Israel Greene's Inn, an "oblong apartment, with 
slightly arched ceihng," "finished in appropriate 
design as a Masonic hall, with a neat robing room 
attached." Two small windows set with tiny panes 
of glass, shadowed by outside chimneys and an 
annex, built later than the main part of the house, 
admitted the only light from without. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 401 

DECEMBER 4 

1744 Darius Lobdell, after the death of his father, 

Capt. Joshua, of the French and Indian wars, chose 
his older brother Caleb for his .guardian. His aunt, 
Susannah Lobdell, had married Seaborn Burt, whose 
strange name was in itself a reminder of the circum- 
stances of his birth at sea, when his parents, Benja- 
min and Sarah (Belding) Burt, both captured at 
Deerfield, were on the voyage to Boston, having been 
redeemed, with about forty others through the nego- 
tiations of Ensign Sheldon. 

1763 Excessive cold, the snow deep, McLean, and 

Ayres began to make shingles at Luckey's. 

— Gilliland. 

1804 Marriage of Heman Allen of Milton to Sarah, 

daughter of Dr. Jonathan Prentis of St. Albans, a 
descendant of Capt. John Prentis of New London, 
Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had nine children, among 
them. Prof. George Allen of the University of Penn- 
sylvaniri, Sarah (Mrs. John K. Converse of Burling- 
ton), Charies P. of Port Kent, Joseph W. of Milton, 
and James H. of Montreal. 

'813 — The cold weather has commenced with all its 

severity, in this northern climate. My health is 
extremely feeble— this, I trust, is for my good— it 
reminds me of the uncertainty of my existence here 
* * * My father and brother are with me here. — Col. 
Williams has just returned from his command, at 
the Lines, several officers are with him. — Williams. 

1825 Joseph-Octave Plessis, Bishop of Quebec, died 

suddenly at the hospital of the Hotel-Dieu. He was 
a grandson of little Martha French and great-grand- 
son of Dea. Thos. French (both Deerfield captives). 



402 Thrke Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Often, in his visitations to Caughnawaga, the good 
bishop had recognized among the Indian women, 
his grandmother's sister, Abigail, who, captured by 
Indians, grew up and died unmarried among them. 

DECEMBER 5 

1775 The united forces of Montgomery and Arnold 

arrive within sight of the walls of Quebec. 

1812 Rosannah (Noble) Averill, wife of Nathan 

Averill, Sr., died. She was bom July 12, 1752, 
the daughter of Stephen Noble, and was married 
March 31, 1768. Her remains were placed in the 
home cemetery at the head of Broad street. 

1842 Death of John Warford. He was admitted to 

the bar in 1805, and subsequently became judge of 
the Common Pleas. He was Aide-de-Camp to Gen. 
Mooers during the war of 181 2-14, and made one of 
that group of men who were wont to gather in good 
fellowship at the inn of Israel Green. The pillared 
house on Charlotte street (known once as the Gough 
House) was built by him. 

The same day Elkanah Watson, the friend and 
associate of Washington, the Adamses, Franklin, 
Jefferson, Lafayette, Coimt de Vergennes, Gen. 
Schuyler, John Trumbull, Robert Fulton, Lord 
Shelburne, and many others, died at his home at Port 
Kent. That village, chiefly founded by him and 
named for the chancellor, was his home from 1828. 
Here he spent most of his time with questions of 
horticulture and agriculture and the embellishment of 
his grounds. Through his individual efforts the State 
road from Port Kent to Hopkinton in St. Lawrence 
county was successfully accomplished. A simple 
obeHsk, erected to his memory at Port Kent, refers 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 403 

to him as the founder and first president of the 
Berkshire Agricultural Society, expressing the senti- 
ment, "May Generations yet unborn learn by his 
example to love their country." 

1859 Arrival, late on Monday, at Westport, of Mrs. 

Brown and her party with the remains of her husband, 
John Brown, executed on December 2 at Charlestown. 
The party, consisting of the widow, Mrs. Mary A. 
Brown, Mr. Wendell Phillips, Frank B. Sanborn and 
others, had come by way of the Hudson, by rail to 
Vergennes thence by teams to Adams' Ferry and 
then across to Barber's Point. That night was passed 
at Person's Hotel, Westport. 

1891 Edgar P. Wadhams, Bishop of Ogdensburgh, died. 

" I want all my priests and people to know how the first 
bishop of Ogdensburg died." 

The priests are for the people not the people for the priests. 

— Wadhams. 

1899 At noon, from the shipyard of the Gas Engine and 

Power company, Morris Heights, was launched the 
new torpedo boat destroyer Bailey, named in honor 
of the late Rear Admiral Theodorus Bailey, "who 
in peace or war for fifty-nine years so gallantly 
served in the navy of our land." Miss Florence 
Beekman Bailey, daughter of Edmund S. Bailey, 
the admiral's only son, christened the boat and the 
family will present a silver loving cup for the Bailey's 
wardroom. 

1909 In the M. E. church of East Middlebury, Vt., 

the Rev. Sedgwick W. Bid well, said to be the oldest 
clergyman in the world, observed his looth birthday 
by preaching a sermon of 25 minutes' duration. Mr. 
Bidw^ell is probably the only person living who 
remembers distinctly the battle of Plattsburgh. 



404 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DECEMBER 6 

1778 Arrival at Quebec of the prisoners taken by 

Carleton during his raid. Among them were Nathan 
and Marshall Smith of Bridport, Benjamin Kellogg, 
Ward and Joseph Everest of Addison, Holcomb 
Spalding, two Ferrises, Granby of Panton, and 
Hinckly of Shoreham. The two last were liberated 
to care for the women and children, who, after 
Burgoyne's defeat, had returned to their abandoned 
homes. Kellogg and Everest had been partners in 
the carrying trade, owTiing sloops together. Kellogg, 
after escaping the following spring and being retaken, 
died in prison during the winter of '79. Everest 
succeeded in escaping a second time from his captors 
and finally reached home. The party escaping from 
Quebec had only a small sack of flour, a frying pan, 
hatchet (or tomahawk) and small compass (ij inches 
in diameter), afterwards treasured by Everest's 
descendants. 

1805 George Provost w^as created an English baronet 

and was the same year appointed major-general and 
in 181 1 lieutenant-general, at the same time succeed- 
ing Sir James Craig as govemor-in-chief and com- 
mander of all the forces in British North America. 

1847 A meeting was held at the Phoenix hotel (present 

site of Cumberland house) for the purpose of taking 
measures to construct a plank road from Plattsburgh 
to Red ford. Among those especially interested was 
Moss Kent Piatt, who, well knowing the importance 
of such a road for the development of the lumber 
and iron interests of Saranac valley, labored zealously 
for it. 

1859 "A steady, icy down-pour" of rain all day. The 

sad funeral cortege of John Brown arrived at Eliza- 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 405 

bethtown about six o'clock. At Wadhams, Mr. 
Daniel Braman and young Dr. George T. Stevens 
joined the company. The body of John Brown was 
placed in the court room of the old Court House 
and guarded during the long December night by four 
young men — Richard L. Hand, A. C. H. Livingston, 
Orlando Kellogg and Henry J. r\dams. At the hotel, 
then kept by Elisha A. Adams, sheriff of Essex 
county, the people of Elizabethtown gathered to 
meet Wendell Phillips and other members of the 
•sad-hearted company. 

1898 Formation of the Political Equality Committee, 

which held its last meeting, as a committee in Clinton 
County Court House, inviting the public to listen 
to Miss Harriet May Mills on the subject of Woman 
Suffrage. After the address, the chairman, Prof. 
Robertson, assisted by Miss Mills (state organizer), 
transformed the committee into the George William 
Curtis Club and it was voted auxiliary to the National 
Suffrage Association. Plattsburgh was incorporated 
as a city March 17, 1902, and it is generally conceded 
that to the influence and agency of the George 
William Curtis Club is due the fact that the city's 
charter gives to women the right to vote on special 
taxation propositions. 

DECEMBER 7 

1763 McLane and Ayers returned home. — Gilliland. 

1776 • Robert Holmes, son of John (one of the original 

proprietors of Londonderry, N. H.), began a third 
enlistment. He had been with the troops engaged 
in the defense of Piscataqua Harbor and, in 1777, 
was among those "fit to march to Ticonderoga." 
His son Thomas, born July 15, '75, married Lucy 



4o6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Tuttle, daughter of Samuel, a Revolutionary soldier, 
of Littleton, Mass. The young couple made a home 
in the new state of Vermont at Hardwick and later, 
at Waterville. 

Full many a dame you might descry, 
As trod she blithsomely and light, 

All decked in dress of double dye, 

With warp of blue, and woof of white. 

— Sunderlin. 



DECEMBER 8 

1809 Destina, wife of Martin Winchell, died and was 

buried in the village cemetery, in the rear of her own 
home. The Winchell house (now known as the Gor- 
ham) stands on the corner of Broad and Cemetery 
streets, down the latter, then called Winchell road, 
the British marched to the "Upper Bridge." Mrs. 
Winchell left children — Adelaide, Abigail, Lucy Des- 
tina (Mrs. Sidney Gorham), Ursula and Samuel, 
for years sexton of the Presbyterian church. 

1812 The eight companies of the First Vermont 

militia, stationed at Swanton barracks, discharged, 
but soon replaced by Col. Fifield's regiment, which 
remained but five or six weeks before being ordered 
away and then back again into winter quarters. 

1849 Clinton Lodge, F. and A. M., received a new 

charter under the same name, but a different number 
(155). It was issued to St. John B. L. Skinner, 
Master; Samuel Emery, Senior Warden; George W. 
Webster, Junior Warden. 

One spirit warms each kindred breast — 
Bums in each soul one holy flame — 

Ah! heed they well God's high behest, 
Nor may blind sin their purpose tame. 

— Sunderlin, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 407 

DECEMBER 9 

1714 Grant of land in Brookfield to "Margaret Otice, 

alias Le Bue," provided she remains in the province 
and marries Capt. Baker. Mrs. Baker died in Dover, 
February 23, 1773. 

1766 The snow 3 inches deep. — Gilliland. 

1774 Elizabeth ConkHn, a "pioneer mother," and 

second cousin of Roscoe Conklin, was born. She 
married Thomas Miller (born January 7, 1770), 
and with one child and her husband's parents, 
Burnet Miller and wife, in 1795, came to Plattsburgh 
from Poughkeepsie. They settled on a farm of 400 
acres west of the "Priest" Halsey place. All that 
region was then covered with a heavy growth of 
native timber and Indians were frequent visitors, a 
squaw one day bringing to Mrs. Miller a glass vase, 
which is still preserved by a granddaughter. Visit- 
ing a "neighbor" ten miles away on horseback was 
not unusual, but as soon as roads were built Thomas 
Miller sent to Poughkeepsie for a wagon. 

1763 Zenas Allen, son of Ezra and Phebe (Gary) 

Allen, w^as bom. He was descended from Samuel 
Allen, one of the original proprietors of East Bridge- 
water, Mass., who was associated with Capt. Church 
and engaged in many Indian fights. Zenas served 
in the Revolution and lived in Tinmouth, Vt. His 
wife was Eliphat Partridge and they had six children 
— Charles, Frederick, Minerva, Susan, Ethan and 
George. Zenas died in Plattsburgh and his oldest 
son, Charles, removed from Orwell, Vt., to Mooers 
in 1 82 1, an unbroken wilderness. He built the first 
saw mill and carried on the lumber business success- 
fully several years. 



4o8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1798 George Marsh, son of George and Polly (Buel) 

Marsh, was born in Plattsburgh. He studied law 
with his uncle by marriage, Gilead Sperry, and soon 
took a prominent place in the church and community, 
being one of the two largest contributors towards 
the purchase of a town clock for the village, which 
was put up in Trinity church for $325. In August, 
1832, when the Asiatic cholera was at its worst, 
the promising young lawyer was stricken with 
paralysis, and died in a few days. The attending 
physician, however, declared the later symptoms 
those of the dreadful disease. He left a young wife, 
Eleanor Piatt, daughter of Theodorus, and an only 
child, Julia A. Marsh, who survived until April 10, 
1908. 

1802 Lazau (Eleazer) Williams, while under the guar- 

dianship of his relative, Deacon Nathaniel Ely, at 
Long Meadow, wrote: 

" God is once more pleased to send our father. He came 
today about sundown, and brought us news that my sister is 
sick. God be praised." Meanwhile the good Deacon wrote in 
his diary: — " 

"Thursday at home, &c., &c. — Thomas Williams, of 
Connawaga, came to our house." 

1811 The date of a letter written by Wm. Ray of 

ElizabethtowTi to Gov. Tompkins in regard to 
appointments. The following April, Mr. Ray, now 
editor of the first paper ever printed in Essex county, 
wrote to the Governor, at the same time sending 
him the first number of the new paper and referring 
to Ezra C. Gross, "a young gentleman of sound 
principles and excellent talents," as his associate 
in the editorial department. Ezra Carter Gross, 
son of the Rev. Thomas Gross (the first settled 
minister of Hartford, Vt.) and his wife, Judith 
Carter, was a graduate of Middlebury College and 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 409 

a rising young lawyer. In 181 7 he held a captain's 
commission in Col. Luman Wadham's regiment and 
had filled several civil offices with credit. During 
his term in Congress (181 9-1 821) he made a mem- 
orable speech on the Missouri Compromise. His 
portrait hung for years in Independence Hall, 
Philadelphia. In the famous trial of Wm. H. 
Houghton of Chazy, indicted for murder, Mr. Gross 
was associated with Judge Lynde, Wm. Sweetland 
and Samuel Stevens, then of Washington county, 
in making a successful defense. His promising 
career was cut short by his early death at Albany, 
April 9, 1829, while Member of Assembly. His 
wife, Phebe Fisher, daughter of Josiah and Phebe 
(Hall) Fisher, also died early, leaving three 
daughters, Emily P., Juhet and Charlotte Caroline. 
Emily was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Keese. 
She taught in Essex County Academy, Westport, 
and married Ransom E. Wood, a wealthy man of 
Upper Jay. In Derbyshire, England, where she lies 
buried, a memorial window in the little church 
recalls the country girl of Essex county. Her 
sister, Juliet, after teaching in the old brick school- 
house of Elizabethtown, married Monroe Hall of 
Lower Jay, while Charlotte became the wife of 
George Burt of Ausable Forks. 

1839 Horace Bucklin Sawyer was promoted com- 

mander. 

DECEMBER 10 
1763 — raised our barn. — Gilliland. 

1766 The snow 4 inches deep. — Idem. 

1814 John Cochran, the founder of Peru village, died 

in his seventy-first year. He and his wife Sarah 



4IO Three Centuries in Champlain Vallev 

were from the north of Ireland. In 1795, on the 
high bluff where now the Hey worth house stands, he 
built a frame house and on the opposite side of the 
deep, rushing river, a saw and grist mill, a great 
blessing to all the settlers. On the southeast a low, 
swampy, dense forest, infested with black bears and 
other wild animals, extended some miles. George 
Heyworth and John Hackstaff came in 1800 and 
"Cochran's Mill" in time became "Hackstaff's" and 
finally passed to the Hey worths. 

1818 The marriage of Esther, daughter of John and 

Phoebe (Deuel) Allen of Peru to Israel, son of Daniel 
and Mary (Green) Jackson, took place. The young 
couple first settled in Peru, but in 1828 removed to 
Cumberland Head, Pittsburgh. They had eight 
children. 

1866 George Henry Emerson, son of Joseph R. 

Emerson, was buried from his father's home. Lieut. 
Emerson had helped to raise and equip Harris' 
Light Cavalry, holding a commission as second 
lieutenant until hemorrhages from the lungs, which 
later resulted in his death, compelled his resignation. 
He died in Washington, December 2. From the 
days of King Philip the Emerson family had been 
represented in every war, 

DECEMBER 11 

1766 — to 1 8th, warm pleasant weather, sent our 

cattle to the meadows the 17th inst. — Gilliland. 

1844 The Hon. Heman Allen (formerly of Milton) 

died at his home in Burlington from an illness brought 
on by exposure early in the year in making a journey 
to Lamoille county during the coldest day of the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 41 1 

winter. He had been a man of wonderful physique 
and endurance and had been wont to tax his powers 
to the utmost, disregarding all experiences. As a 
young man, he was for a time employed as a tutor 
in the family of Judge Piatt in Plattsburgh. His 
powerful intellect was accompanied by sterling 
integrity. As a Federalist he preferred to forfeit 
re-election to Congress rather than vote against his 
principles. 

1909 At West Plattsburgh, where her ancestors had 

located on the settlement of the town, Ruth E. New- 
comb, for thirty-five years the faithful and efficient 
principal of the Elizabeth street school, passed to 
her heavenly reward. Miss Newcomb was a daughter 
of Samuel and Angeline L. (Newcomb) Newcomb. 
Her paternal grandfather. Dr. Samuel Newcomb, a 
native of Nine Partners, was a celebrated physician 
and surgeon and director of the medical college at 
Montreal. In 1839 he was exiled to Van Dieman's 
Land for active participation in the Canadian rebellion. 
After nine years he was pardoned and returned to 
Plattsburgh, but his last days were spent in Montreal. 
Miss Newcomb 's maternal grandfather was the Hon. 
Piatt Newcomb. But it was not for her ancestry, 
but because of her own lovely character and person- 
ality that Miss Newcomb 's memory will long be held 
precious in the hearts of hundreds of grateful pupils. 

DECEMBER 12 

1812 Macdonough married in Middletown, Conn., 

Lucy Shaler, daughter of Nathaniel Shaler, in early 
life a Tory. The new commander brought his bride 
to Burlington, where they spent the winter, while 
he superintended the fitting out of the fleet which 
was to engage the enemy and protect the lake . 



412 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

The same day in Burlington the First Cahin- 
istic Congregational Society dedicated their first 
house of worship. This stood on the site of the pres- 
ent edifice, but fronted on Pearl street. It \Aas 
burned June 23, 1839. The second church building 
was dedicated April 14, 1842. 




HANNAH KENT PLATT. 

1846 After twenty years of blindness, Hannah Kent, 

w4dow of Elder William Pitt Piatt, opened her eyes 
on endless day. In spite of her infirmities, blindness 
and rheumatism, she ahvays had a pleasant smile 
for all and would tell fascinating stories to the younger 
generation, while her fingers were busy with sewing or 
knitting. 

DECEMBER 13 

1781 Jonas Morgan, son of Samuel, and Sarah Mott, 

daughter of Captain Edward, were married at Pres- 
ton, Conn., where they first settled, afterwards remov- 
ing to Lansingburgh, N. Y., where he died in 1824. 
March 20, 1828, his son William H., moved into his 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 413 

new brick house in Plattsburgh, on the corner of 
Macomb and Macdonough streets, This he had 
built after the fashion of his childhood's home in 
Lansingburgh. Very early Jonas, Sr., had built a 
forge on the Black river (present site of Meigs ville). 
This he sold in 1808, receiving a new grant in Eliza- 
bethtown, on which he built "Morgan's New Forcre " 
now Brainard's Forge. Capt. John Lobdell acted as 
Morgan's agent in Elizabethtown and Westport In 
the early forties, Jonas, Jr., paid a last visit to 
Elizabethtown, when all accounts between proprietor 
and agent were settled in full. 

1841 "George W. Fitch opened a private school in 

the basement of the Episcopal church. Terms $2 
per quarter." An infant school had been kept here 
m 1832 by Miss Carpenter. All instruction was oral 
arithmetic being taught by an abacus and spelling 
from picture cards held in the teacher's hand. The 
children's wraps were hung under the gallery at the 
west side, where the pupils sat while receiving 
instruction as a school. The exercises opened at 
nine o'clock in the morning with Scripture reading 
after which the little ones knelt and repeated the 
Lord's Prayer. They stood in the aisles while receiv- 
ing instruction and several times a day, "to keep them 
quiet," following the lead of the assistant teachers 
they marched upon a black line about three inches 
mde, singing as they marched this song or some- 
thing similar; 

Oh, liow pretty 'tis to see 
Little children all agree 
Try and keep the step with me 
While we are exercising. 

Heads held up and hands behind 
Toes turn out and heels turn in 
While we are exercising. 



414 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1858 Death of Caleb Nichols at the age of ninety. 

I860 Commander Charles Theodorus Piatt died at 

Newburg, N. Y. His last service was in charge of 
the navy yard at Memphis, on the Mississippi. During 
the battle of Pittsburgh , it was Mr. Piatt, then a 
midshipman on the Saratoga, who, when the Chub, 
crippled by a broadside from the Eagle, with half 
her men killed or wounded, came drifting down 
between the opposing vessels, took possession of 
the unfortunate sloop which was then towed in 
shore and anchored. 

1864 Incorporation of the Peristrome Presbyterian 

church of Plattsburgh, with the Rev. Francis Blood- 
good Hall as pastor, a position which he held until 
his decease, October 4, 1903, when the congregation 
united with that of the First Presbyterian church. 

The same day at Montreal the trial of the St. 
Albans raiders was brought to a close, Justice Coursol, 
rendering a decision in favor of the robbers, who 
were at once released from custody and the money 
($80,000) found upon them restored. Through the 
recommendation of Governor-General Lord Monck, 
the provincial parliament voted $50,000 in gold 
(equivalent to $88,000 in currency) to be paid to 
the banks. Though the loss, including cost of trial, 
was about $140,000, yet the financial strength of the 
little town was such that there was no particular 
disturbance in the monetary situation. 

1884 Plattsburg electric fire alarm introduced. 

1907 Public meeting called at the Court House in 

Plattsburg for the formation of a Clinton County 
Branch of Mohawk and Hudson River Humane 
Society. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 415 

DECEMBER 14 

1823 In Trinity Church, Philadelphia, John H. Hop- 

kins, having given up a lucrative law practice to 
enter the ministry, was ordained Deacon by Bishoo 
White. ^ 

1854 Dannemora, named by St. John B. L. Skinner 

for a noted iron producing section of Sweden, was 
formed from Beekmantown. It was the latest 
settled town in the county, the pioneer, Phineas 
Hooker (son of Martin, Revolutionary patriot and 
pioneer from Norwich, Conn.), with his wife coming 
here in 1836 and settHng on the site of the present 
village. That year Matthew Lane, son of the Revo- 
lutionary officer, Lieut.-Col. Derick Lane, of New 
Jersey, became a partner with Messrs. Coming and 
Cook, who had established the Crown Glass Works 
at Redford in the town of Saranac, south of Danne- 
mora. Mr. Lane eventually became sole proprietor 
and continued the business until 185 7, when the works 
were abandoned. The glass makers were mostly 
from England, among them one John Davidson and 
seven sons, all glass makers. 

1892 D'Youville Academy, founded in i860 by the 

Grey Nuns of Ottawa, Can., was chartered by the 
Regents of the University of New York. A long 
white house on the south side of Cornelia street, 
the former home of Vespasian Nutting (chosen an 
elder of the Presbyterian church April, 1826, but 
five years later dismissed by letter to the Methodist 
church) was used by the sisters as a school. Mr. 
Nutting built the house (now known as the Aaron 
Oliver) on Cumberland Head, where Mr. Sailly's 
daughter, the widow Buel once Hved. 



4l6 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DECEMBER 15 

1745 Nathan Averill, Sr., son of Daniel Averill, Sr. 

(17 1 6-1 785), was born in New Preston, Conn. With 
his brother Daniel and son Nathan, he was employed 
in transporting the goods of Judge Zephaniah Piatt 
from Poughkeepsie to Plattsburgh. These three 
received deeds of land amounting to 300 acres, 
including the Sanborn farm and other land running 
south to the Saranac river. Nathan, Sr., built the 
house on Cornelia street, past which Margaret street 
was afterward extended north, and was living there 
1792-94, but in 1 81 2, his home was at the head of 
Broad street, where, down the hill in the rear, he 
had built a tannery, where he could pursue the trade 
he had been engaged in before coming here. He and 
his wife were buried in the family plot near the 
homestead, but their remains were afterwards re- 
moved to Riverside cemetery. Their home was the 
first "Home for the Friendless" and its first inmate, 
a cripple, named John Ellsworth. 

1760 Sister Esther Wheelwright of the Infant Jesus 

was elected Superior of the Ursulines. 
— C. Alice Baker, in True Stories of New England Captives. 

1762 Sarah Mott, daughter of Edward and Sarah 

(Kinne) Mott, was bom at Preston, Conn. 

1772 Mother Esther "was honorably discharged * * * 

only to be made assistant superior, and six years 
later Zelatrix. ' ' — Baker. 

1852 At the Girard house in Philadelphia, the Hon. 

Cornelius P. Van Ness of Washington and New York, 
died, and was buried in the family vault in Wash- 
ington. His first wife, Rhoda Savage (daughter of 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 417 

James), died in Madrid in 1834 of malignant cholera. 
Their daughters, Marcia and Cornelia, became Lady 
Ouseley and Mrs. Roosevelt, nieces of the second 
Mrs. John Freligh of Plattsburgh. Their father was 
governor of Vermont 1823-26. 

1855 Five wolves from a pack that had been harassing 

the farmers of Ellenburgh, Clinton and Chateaugay, 
were killed in a swamp near Beekmantown Corners 
during a hunt organized for the purpose. The 
wolves driven by hunger, had moved along the old 
MiHtary turnpike, killing sheep in Chazy, Beekman- 
town and Plattsburgh, as far as the lake shore. At 
the same time another pack was invading sheepfolds 
in the northern part of the county. 

1864 The grounds comprising "Rock Point," orig- 

inally purchased in 1841 by Rt. Rev. J. H. Hopkins, 
the first bishop of the diocese, were conveyed to a 
corporation known as the "Vermont Episcopal 
Institute." 

1909 Pittsburgh's new Y. M. C. A. building opened 

to the public. This beautiful structure will stand 
as a lasting memorial to the late Loyal L. Smith. 
The reception room is furnished through the gener- 
osity of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Pike; the assembly 
room, by Mr. John Haughran; the directors' room, 
by Saranac Chapter, D. A. R. ; the boys' department, 
by Mr. Edwin G. Moore, in memory of his son; the 
gymnasium, by Mrs. John Henry Myers, in memory 
of her husband, and the kitchen and dormitories 
by the Ladies' Auxiliary. 

DECEMBER 16 

1775 Birth of Nathaniel Zephaniah, fifth son of Judge 

Zephaniah Piatt of Poughkeepsie. In 1 80 7 , Nathaniel 



4i8 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

Z. Piatt was a member of the State Assembly for 
Clinton county and about 1810 on "the point," east 
of Fouquet's, he built a storehouse, which was 
burned during Murray's raid in 181 3, but soon 
rebuilt. After Mr. Piatt's death his \\idow, Sarah 
(Keyes) Piatt, with her young son, Samuel Keyes, 
boarded at Israel Green's Inn. Her daughters, 
Elizabeth and Mary Van Wyck had married Capt. 
Samuel Russell, U. S. A., and Gen. C. A. Waite, 
U. S. A., respectively. After the death of Capt. 
Russell, his widow married Frederick C. Sailly. 

1819 A meeting for the purpose of taking into con- 

sideration the expediency of forming a County 
Agricultural Society was held at the house of Joseph 
I. Green. Hon. Thomas Tread well was president of 
of the meeting and Isaac C. Piatt, secretary. Joseph 
I. Green, besides keeping this hotel, which was burned 
some time between 1822-32, had a shop where he 
manufactured saddles and harnesses. 

1855 St. Peter's church of Plattsburgh incorporated, 

with Joseph Fountain, Isaac Jourdarmais, Damien 
LaForce, Lewis Chaurain and Lewis St. Michell as 
trustees. 

DECEMBER 17 
1766 — sent our cattle to the meadows. — GilUland. 

1788 Occurred the first marriage in Peru — that of 

Lott Elmore and Mary Hay, daughter of William 
and Elizabeth (Betsey Williams) Hay. Mary was 
the baby in her mother's arms when, during the 
battle of Valcour, Mrs. Hay in terror sought safety 
at a spring near her home, only to find herself 
surrounded by the Indian allies of the enemy. The 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 419 

daughters of Mary (Hay) Elmore were among the 
first pupils of Mrs. Emma Willard. August 2, 1818, 
Mr. Elmore died suddenly at the age of 54 years, 
while at the Falls of Montmorency, whither he 
had gone with a raft of timber. His remains were 
brought to Plattsburg for interment in Riverside 
cemetery. 

1813 — Had an interview with the commanding officer, 

in presence of Gen. Mooers and Mr. Sailly. The object 
of my call was arranged, and I hope it will be 
beneficial to the public service. 

— Williams at Plattsburgh. 

1841 Jemima (Roberts) Beman, wife of Nathan 

Beman, died at Chateaugay, aged 87 years. They 
were married in 1785 and lived first in Ferrisburgh. 
Their children were Aaron, John, George, Samuel, 
Lucy, Amy and Phoebe. 

1849 Elizabeth (Conklin) Miller died, survived by her 

husband. Col. Thomas Miller, until March, 1855. 
Their first home in the wilderness was burned in 
1844. Here Mrs. Miller had remained during the 
siege and battle of Plattsburgh, while her husband 
was at the front with his regiment. He had advised 
her to go to friends in Peru, but she preferred to 
take care of her home though she sent away the older 
children. British officers occupied her vacant rooms, 
but she was glad of their protection from the plimder- 
ing of the soldiery. During the battle, with them 
she watched the struggle on the lake, they several 
times affirming that the Stars and Stripes had gone 
down, and she denying it. When the result of the 
conflict was evident, the officers lost no time in 
mounting their horses and riding away. 



420 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DECEMBER 18 

Far on New-England's checkered land. 

The dark Green Mountains bound the view, 
And stretching wide on either hand, 

Lies the still lake with sheet of blue. 

— Sunderlin. 

1813 Charlotte — Just returned from Plattsburgh. I 

am greatly fatigued, and have suffered much from 
the cold, being on horseback. My waiter is sick. 
My father, Col. Williams, and Major Stone are in high 
spirits — they have been out on a chase and killed 
two foxes. There is to be a ball this evening, I am 
invited to attend — but no! My Bible shall be my 
company this evening, and may God give me a heart 
to understand His holy word. — Williams. 

1843 Mr. Billings opened a class in Porter's new 

system of arithmetic in the Academy. George F. Buck, 
William Carter, J. R. Grant, Henry J. Gilman, George 
W. Hartwell, A. Moss, Elric L. Nichols, Richard N. 
Ostrander, F. A. Ransom, John H. Sanborn and 
George N. Webb were among those in attendance. 

DECEMBER 19 
1766 — very cold. — Gilliland. 

When Peace was breathing, where had been 
The sanguine carnage of the brave. — Sunderlin. 

1816 Thursday, under the supervision of Benjamin 

Mooers, Melancton L. Woolsey and Levi Piatt, the 
pews in the new meeting house were sold at auction 
and brought about $2,000. At this date, for the 
expense of more than $10,000 already incurred, 
not one cent was owed outside the community. 
A bell, stoves, etc., as well as means of lighting the 
church for evening services remained to be provided. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 421 

1856 Death claimed Hannah, widow of Hon. Jonathan 

Griffin. She had survived her husband fifteen 
years. Mary, their youngest daughter, had died 
m early married Hfe. Her husband, Theodore P. 
Cady, was the son of Heman Cady of Bennington, 
who, with his brother Cyrus, engaged in the mer- 
cantile business in Plattsburg. Their wives were 
cousins. Heman had married Maria Piatt, daughter 
of Judge Theodorus, and Cyrus' wife was Margaret 
daughter of Judge Levi. The Heman Cady home- 
stead, on the corner of Broad and Margaret streets 
was burned, together with the "Standish store'' 
and house of Dr. Edward Kane, May 29, 1863. 
Cyrus Cady lived in the Melancton Smith 'house, 
which was afterward known as the Smith-Platt 
house. In 1833, the brothers bought a large tract 
of land where Cadyville is now located, and built 
a forge. They, with another brother, Hiram, finally 
settled in Wisconsin, where they remained through life. 

1882 Organization of Political Anti-Bribery Society. 

It was fitting that B. M. Beckwith, whose grand- 
father. Dr. Baruch Beckwith, though having one of 
the longest and hardest rides in the county, yet felt 
conscientious scruples against charging more than 
a dollar a visit, should be especially interested in 
this society. But the time was not ripe for such 
a movement, and it failed from lack of support. 

DECEMBER 20 

Roll back, thou tide of time and tell 
Of book, of rosary, and bell; 
Of cloistered nun, with brow of gloom, 
Immured within her living tomb. 

— Lu€retia Davidson. 

1654 The widow of Champlain died at the Ursuline 

convent, which she had founded at Meaux in 1648, 



422 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

three years after she had entered the convent of 
Ursulines in the Faubourg Saint- Jacques at Paris. 

1812 Macdonough, in his report to the navy depart- 

ment, names the President, a sloop which had pre- 
viously been imder the control of Dearborn, with 
six transports, all of which were transferred to the 
commander of the fleet. Macdonough made the 
President his flagship and so it remained during 1813. 

1837 Thankful (Sage) Robinson, wife of Daniel Robin- 

son, died after 54 years of married life. They were 
the parents of twelve children. Mr. Robinson 
survived less than three months, dying at his home 
on the military turnpike in Chazy, March 25, 1838. 
His sobriquet of "Governor" grew out of an athletic 
contest in which the victor was to be addressed 
thereafter by the vanquished as "Governor." 

DECEMBER 21 

1705 The baptism of Samuel Williams (captured at 

"Dearfielde" on the nth of March of the preceding 
year) is recorded by Father Meriel in the records of 
Notre Dame, "de Mont-Real." The captive was 
afterwards redeemed and returned to his people, 
where he spent a long and useful life. 

1743 Sieur de L'Estage, at the age of 63. died in 

Montreal and was buried in the church of the Recollet 
fathers. His widow, Marie (Sayer) de Lestage, sold 
their fine mansion with the avenue leading to it, the 
grist mill, saw mill and other property and removed 
to Montreal, w^here she died in old age, a "perpetual 
pensioner," cared for by the Sisters of the Congre- 
gation, the friends of her girlhood. To them she 
gave her most valuable household goods and silver. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 423 

1809 Hannah Piatt, oldest daughter of Captain 

Nathaniel, and wife of Gen. Mooers, died. She did 
not live to see the battle that was to be fought on 
the bay so near her own home, but her children had a 
lifelong remembrance of that day. On the sixtieth 
anniversary, her son, Charles Sidney Mooers, far 
away in the city of Des Moines, kept the American 
colors flying over his little fruit stand on wheels. 
He had been an aide to his father and was now the 
only man in that city to remember the conflict. 
On the fiftieth anniversary of Mrs. Mooers' death, 
her oldest son, Col. Benjamin Hazen Mooers, in his 
Wisconsin home, wrote a most interesting letter to 
his sister, Mrs. G. M. Beckwith, detailing the cir- 
cumstances. 

1 82 1 Aaron Beman and Joseph Megaphy claimed to 

have killed wolves in the town of Mooers, the one, 
four and the other, three, and later collected the 
bounty due. 

1853 Sheldon Durkee, son of the Revolutionary 

soldier, Timothy, of Royalton, died at his home on 
Durkee street. It was Sheldon Durkee, who, on the 
morning after the battle of Plattsburgh, with 
Ephraim Rand and Samuel Norcross, encountered, 
while entirely unarmed, three British soldiers on 
the retreat, and succeeded in capturing them in a 
hand-to-hand combat in which Norcross was killed. 
While Rand ministered to the dying Norcross, 
Durkee triumphantly marched the three prisoners 
into camp. The old Durkee house, built some years 
before 1795, stood just above the bend of the river, 
just south of the first forge for the manufacture 
of iron erected in Saranac valley. The stumps of 
the lilac trees, brought by Mrs. Durkee (nde Hodg- 
kins) from her home on Grand Isle, may yet be seen 
but the old home was taken down some years ago. 



424 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1855 At Chazy, fire originating in ashes stored in 

an adjacent woodshed, burned the stone school 
house and Methodist church, built in 181 6 at a cost 
of $7,000 and donated to the Methodist society by 
Alexander Scott. George Scott, a nephew of Alex- 
ander, left Chazy for California at the age of 16 
and was, in 1889, elected the first Gentile mayor of 
Salt Lake City, where he had finally located. 

1896 The first rural free delivery in Vermont was 

established and put into operation in the town of 
Grand Isle. 

1905 At the rededication services of the Baptist church 

in Burlington, President M. H. Buckham of the Uni- 
versity of Vermont, spoke as follows: 

"I recall your first pastor, the Rev. Mr. Safford, a gentle and 
gracious man of fine spirit and temper, a man who, in the day 
of small things, commended your little church to the respect of 
the community. Rev. Hiram Safford was the grandfather of 
our townsman, Gen. Theodore Safford Peck." 

1907 The resolutions (previously adopted by a special 

subcommittee) setting forth the advisability of an 
appropriate celebration of the tercentenary of the 
discovery of Lake Champlain, through the cooper- 
ation of New York and Vermont and the federal 
government, were adopted by the whole commission 
at a joint meeting held at Albany. The commis- 
sioners appointed under the law provided for the 
same are: Hon. H. Wallace Knapp, Mooers, Chair- 
man; Hon. Henry W. Hill, Buffalo, Secretary; Hon. 
Walter C. Witherbee, Port Henry, Treasurer; Hon. 
James J. Frawley, New York, Hon. James Shea, Lake 
Placid, Hon. William R. Weaver, Peru, Hon. James A, 
Foley, New York, Hon. John H. Booth, Plattsburg, 
Hon. John B. Riley, Plattsburg, Hon. Louis C. La 
Fountain, Champlain, Hon. Howland Pell, New York. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 425 

DECEMBER 22 

1766 Thomas Bready went to the meadows and took 

with him 40 days store of provs, and i pot, 3 quarts, 
3 bottles, I trap and chain, i bag, i tub. — Gilliland. 

1 799 In the homestead built by his father on the lot on 

north side of the river, purchased from Judge Charles 
Piatt, Frederick Louis Charles Sailly, son of Peter 
Sailly and his wife, Marianna Adelaide (GrelHer) 
Sailly, was born. The boy acquired his education 
at Granville, Washington county, and entered the 
old Bank of Plattsburgh as teller at eighteen. Later 
he became cashier and on the death of his father, 
succeeded him as collector of customs. Mr. Sailly 
was identified with all the public enterprises of the 
town and county and served as county treasurer 
several years. About 1830 he became interested 
in mercantile business and the manufacture of iron, 
an industry in which his father had been interested 
in France. In 1844 he retired from active business. 
Two years before his marriage his bachelorhood gave 
rise to "The Bachelor," one of the few humorous 
poems written by his then fifteen-year-old neighbor, 
Lucretia Davidson. 

"To the world, (whose dread laugh he would tremble to hear, 
From whose scorn he would shrink with a cowardly fear,) 
The old bachelor proudly and boldly will say, 
Single lives are the longest, single lives are most gay." 

1803 Winslow C, son of Elkanah Watson, was born 

at Albany. After graduation from Middlebury Col- 
lege, from which he received the degree of A. M., he 
studied law with Justice Ambrose Spencer and was 
admitted to the bar in 1824. He practiced in Platts- 
burgh until 1833, when ill health compelled his retire- 
ment. Besides his prominence in the poHtical, civil, 
and ecclesiastical life of the community, he had, 



426 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

since 1819 contributed to magazines, newspapers, 
etc., and his published works, "Men and Times of the 
Revolution," "Report and Survey of Essex County," 
"Pioneer History of Champlain Valley," "History of 
Essex County," etc., form a valuable part of the 
literature of this valley. 

1807 Birth in Stanfordville, Dutchess county, of Caleb 

D. Barton, son of Caleb Barton, and his wife, Damaris 
Hull (a granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin), whose 
sister Ruth was the wife of Stephen Keese of Peru, 
in whose family young Caleb, early orphaned, grew 
up. The first wife of Caleb, Jr., was Eliza Lapham, 
eldest daughter of Joseph, whose English ancestors 
located in Providence about 1735. Joseph settled in 
Peru about 1800, where he married Anna Keese, 
daughter of Richard, and built the Lapham homestead 
nearly opposite the spot where the first Keese built 
his log cabin. Both the Laphams and Caleb Barton 
were prominent in developing the industries of the 
river as the names Lapham 's Mills and Bartonville sig- 
nify. After Mrs. Barton's death in 1842, Mr. Barton 
married Emma Peale, the talented daughter of 
Rembrandt Peale, the noted artist of Philadelphia, 
who painted General Washington from life when 
but seventeen. The elegant home of the Bartons at 
Port Douglass hill in Keese ville, was filled with 
beautiful paintings, many of them the work of Mr. 
Peale. This mansion with most of its contents was 
destroyed by fire. Upon its site Mrs. Barton erected 
another dwelling, now known as Rembrandt Hall. 
The paintings which remain are now in Saratoga, 
the property of Mrs. Bosworth, a niece, as well as an 
adopted daughter of Mr. Barton. 

1852 The farm on which the Lozier Works are located 

was purchased by Rensselaer S. Hewitt of Peru and 
his wife, a daughter of Judge Josiah T. Everest. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 427 

1900 Death, at Fort Frederick light house, Lake 

Champlain, opposite Chimney Point, Vt., of Antoine 
Peltier, a grandson of Capt. Paulinte (Poland), of 
the American Revolutionary army, who came to this 
country with Lafayette. Mr. Peltier was 91 years 
old. The interment was at Pittsburgh. 

DECEMBER 23 

But still our earthly feelings cling 

Around this bounded spot; — 
There is a something burns within 

Which will not be forgot. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1786 At Cumberiand Head, Washington county, in 

the log house built by her husband on land bought 
from Judge Zephaniah Piatt, Marie (Caillat) SaiUy 
was gathered to her fathers. She had remained with 
her children in Albany until the completion of the 
house and had survived the hardships of pioneer life 
and the rigorous climate but six months. Hers was 
the first death in the new township, and her remains 
were buried under the big pine trees on the Point, 
not far from the old block house. When, in after 
years, Capt. Nathaniel Piatt had given to the town 
the land for a burying groimd, her remains were the 
first interred there. 



DECEMBER 24 

Ye angels, sing your sweetest songs, 
And strike anew each golden lyre; 

Let him to whom the praise belongs 
The sacred strain inspire. 

— Christmas Hymn by Margaret Davidson. 

1763 —this day the lake opposite Willsboro froze up. 

— Gilliland. 



428 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1863 The stock holders of the First National Bank of 

Plattsburgh elected the following directors: Z. C. 
Piatt, Jonathan Hagar, W. W. Hartwell, C. G. S. 
Edwards, James Rogers, S. P. Bowen, E. M. Crosby, 
C. D. Blake, P. D. Moore. 

At a subsequent meeting of the directors, Z. C. 
Piatt was chosen president and H. Walworth 
cashier. 

1876 On Christmas eve in the new stone church of 

the Mission of St. James, Ausable Forks, the mission- 
ary, Rev. Wm. H. Cook, held the first service. The 
cost of the edifice, the corner-stone of which had 
been laid the June before, was $ii,ooo, of which sum 
$io,ooo was given by Mr. James Rogers. 

DECEMBER 25 

Hail to salvation's brilliant morn, 

Hail to the dawn of joy and peace, 
When God's supreme, almighty power, 

Bade all our pains and sorrows cease. 

— Christmas Hymn by Margaret Davidson. 

1635 Christmas Day the end came to Champlain. 

"The intrepid governor lay dead in his own Quebec, 
the incipient city of Blasted Hopes. Trade had 
supported it, and had stunted it. A summer of 
activity and a winter of inaction was its story, year 
in and year out." — Winsor. 

In what is now an open square in the upper 
town, in a mortuary chapel, every vestige of which 
long since disappeared, the Jesuit Lalemant did the 
last service and Lejeune spoke a eulogy as the dead 
hero w^as laid to rest. 

1803 Betsey Roberts, a sister of Hannah, both 

daughters of John, became the bride of Joseph 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 429 

Wadsworth Edwards, a descendant of William 
Edwards, who settled in Easthampton, L. I., in 
1650. At the time of the battle of Pittsburgh, 
British soldiers were about their home in South 
Plattsburg all day. About five o'clock the soldiers 
threw away the punk which they had used in lighting 
their pipes and rode away. Seeing this, Mrs. Roberts, 
having no fire in the house, sent her boy, Gustavus 
Vasa, then about ten years old, to get the precious 
substance. 

1805 St. Louis. — The commemoration of the birth 

of our blessed Lord.— I have just returned from 
church. The altar was dressed very fine. There 
were about 20 levites attended upon the High 
Priest. — Williams. 

1813 Albany. — I heard a Christmas discourse from 

the Rev. Mr. Clowes — it was an excellent sermon — 
took a Christmas dinner with Lieutenant-Governor 
Taylor. In the evening went to Mr. Walsh's, and 
spent the evening pleasantly with a small party. 

— Idem. 

1816 The early Presbyterians saw the fruit of their 

labors in the dedication of their first meeting 
hoiise. 

Its architecture * * * was in its main features, correct and 
imposing — with the tall columns and numerous steps of its front 
face. Within, it was of unique arrangement. The pulpit stood 
between the entrance doors, and the gathering people came at 
once under the eye of the pews * * * Then there were deep 
galleries, out of which, at the reconstruction, great sticks of 
pine near a hundred feet long and a foot square were taken, 
hewed from trees which probably your Adirondack forests can- 
not now match. — Rev. E. A. Bulkley, D. D. 



430 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

DECEMBER 26 

And all the stern fatigue of life, 

Such as our mothers erst endured, 
When fast and hot the battle strife 

Was waxing, and our sires repaid 
The Briton's wrong, and Indian's hate. 

With many a ball and reeking blade — 
The guerdons of that hour of fate. 

— Sunderlin. 

1784 Col. Seth Warner died in his native parish of 

Woodbury (now Roxbury), Conn. His services in the 
patriot army resulted in early death. Connecticut 
has erected to his memory a substantial granite monu- 
ment with this inscription on its north side:" Captor 
of Crown Point, commander of the Green Moun- 
tain Boys in the repulse of Carlton at Longueil and 
in the battle of Hubbardton; and the associate of 
Stark, in the victory at Bennington." Seth Warner 
settled in Bennington within three-quarters of a 
mile from the New York line, where he was a near 
neighbor of James Breakenridge. He married in 
1767 Hester Hurd of Roxbury, 

DECEMBER 27 

1610 Champlain entered into a contract of marriage 

with the twelve-year-old daughter H61dne of the 
king's private secretary, Nicholas Boull^. During 
Champlain 's voyage to Quebec in 181 1, his betrothed 
remained with her parents until the marriage the 
following year. 

1868 The United States hotel (once Israel Green's 

Inn, on the site of the De Fredenburgh house) was 
burned. For more than seventy years its sturdy 
walls had withstood the ravages of "war, fire and 
flood." It had been built by John Clark when the 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 431 

road on the south side led down to the only wharf 
(Clark's Landing) in the village. When mine host, 
Friend Green, was "Master of the Inn," the house 
was in its prime, but all its former glory had long 
since departed. 

1875 Judge Gideon Collins, a pioneer in 1803, died 

in Chateaugay. 

1909 Dedication at Lake Kushaqua of Stony Wold 

Hall, a new dormitory for Stony Wold Sanatorium. 
The Hall is given by Miss Blanche Potter in memory 
of her sister Martha. A stained glass window, repre- 
senting the Good Shepherd, back of the Protestant 
chapel, and the clock and chimes are gifts from Mrs. 
Walter Geer, another sister. The fine organ came 
through the agency of the Rev. John N. Marvin of 
Albany, who also sent prayer books, Bibles, hymnals 
and altar service books through the Bible and Com- 
mon Prayer Book Society of Albany. 

DECEMBER 28 

1792 A town, named for its mountainous character, 

Peru, was formed from Plattsburgh and Willsborough 
(Essex county), at a meeting held at the dwelHng 
house of Samuel Jackson, when the first officers of 
the new town were chosen. 

1798 Joel Stratton, son of Elder John and Esther S. 

Stratton, died at the age of nineteen and was buried 
on the hillside sloping to the lake, near Mrs. Tread- 
well, wife of the Hon. Thomas Treadwell, who, unable 
to survive the severe winter, had died the fifth of 
January preceding. 

1806 Birth of Job Sherman, an older brother of Dr. 

Pliny, both sons of Benjamin and Philena Sherman, 



432 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

members of the Society of Friends from Rhode 
Island. With Benjamin Sherman Hved his mother, 
Mrs. Martha Sherman, who attained the great age 
of 104. She was an aunt of Mrs. John Howard (n^e 
Hannah Earl) of Burlington. Benjamin Sherman 
and Benjamin Earl taught early schools at the 
"Union." Job Sherman died on the farm of his 
birth, unmarried, July 8, 1863. 

1814 "Black Maria" Haynes gave birth to a son, to 

whom she gave the name of "Sir George Provost," 
the defeated commander of the British forces. 
"George," coal-black, like his mother, became a 
barber like his father, Tom Haynes, who, by the 
way, was the lightest of mulattoes. Maria, born a 
slave, remained in the family of her master. Judge 
Melancton Smith in New York city until his death, 
when she was transferred to the home of his son. 
Col. Melancton Smith in Plattsburgh and there 
remained until the colonel's death in 181 8. 

1820 Asa Elmore Everest, son of Joseph and Celesta 

(Stafford) Everest, was born in Peru, N. Y., After 
graduation from Middlebury College and Union 
Theological Seminary, he was ordained in 1850 at 
Broadway Tabernacle. Besides preaching in Brook- 
lyn, Mooers and various places in Illinois and Iowa, 
among them at Grinnell and Council Bluffs, he was 
chaplain of the 11 8th U. S. Colored regiment, 1864-5. 
He died of senile paralysis, April 20, 1899, having 
survived his wife, Anna Mary, daughter of Governor 
George Franklin and Mary (Bodine) Fort of Pem- 
berton, N. J., many years. 

DECEMBER 29 

1665 "M. Courcelles, the governor of Canada, began 

his march with scarcely six hundred men, to seek out 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 433 

their inveterate enemies, the Mohawks." The snow 
that covered the ground "although four feet deep, 
was frozen." 

1818 Removal of the Thurbers to their new brick 

house (still standing) overlooking the lake at Rouses 
Point. 

1843 Gertrude Kellogg, daughter of Charles White and 

Demmis Dewey (Comstock) Kellogg, was born at 
Comstock's Landing. She became an elocutionist 
and actress in Europe and America, supporting 
Edwin Forrest in his latest engagements and also 
Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett. In 1892 the 
Port Kent residence of her grandfather, Peter Com- 
stock, became the summer home of the Kelloggs, 
Miss Kellogg died in Brooklyn, April 18, 1903, but 
was buried at Comstock's, N. Y. Her brother, the 
late Peter Comstock Kellogg, with their father, 
established in New York the modern auction business 
of highly bred horses and cattle, besides writing for 
sporting and agricultural papers under the name of 
"Hark Comstock." 

1867 Bishop Hopkins resumed his visitation "among 

the churches in the northern part of his Diocese, 
beginning at St. Alban's." At the request of the 
Rev. Wm. M. Ogden, rector of Trinity Church at 
Plattsburgh, he visited that parish and there officiated 
for the last time. Already ill from exposure, he 
grew worse and returned to his home whence "he 
entered into Hfe, January 9, 1868." His son, the 
Rev. John Henry Hopkins, S. T. D., afterwards 
rector of Trinity, presented to that church the Altar 
Desk bearing this inscription: 

4* In Memory of the Right Reverend 
John Henry Hopkins 
First Bishop of Vermont and Presiding Bishop 



434 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

whose last offering of the Eucharistic Sacrifice was 
at this Altar of Trinity Chiirch Plattsburgh on 
Sunday January 5: 1868. 4" 

1894 Frederick Remington, America's well known 

artist and illustrator, buys a summer residence site 
on the lake shore near Plattsburg. Though a native 
of Canton, N. Y., he has spent much time in the 
West, where he has been most successful in depicting 
army life on the plains. 

DECEMBER 30 

Bitter and bleak is the closing day. — Buckham. 

1766 Our raft of hay was drove on shore last night 

on the south side of my Bros, point — 2 cocks from 
Far meadow, went with some hands and got the 
hay all safe to shore, and one Bateau haul'd up, 
wrought till 9 in the evening, then came to McAuley's. 

— GilUland. 

1770 Death of Hannah, wife of the Rev. EHsha Kent. 

They were the parents of Moss Kent, Sr., who was 
bom January 14, 1733 (O- S.)- and died in February, 
1794. 

1784 Zephaniah Piatt, Peter Tappen, Zaccheus New- 

comb, Nathaniel Piatt, Piatt Rogers, Charles Piatt, 
Thomas Treadwell, Simon R. Reeves, Melancton 
Smith, Jonathan Lawrence, Israel Smith and John 
Addams met at the house of Judge Zephaniah Piatt 
in Poughkeepsie and mutually agreed "to be jointly 
concerned in the building of a saw-mill, grist-mill 
and a forge on the river Saranac the next summer, 
each to advance an equal proportion of money." 

" I could wish none but sober, industrious men to settle in 
said Township, such as bid fair to do well for themselves.— 
Judge Piatt in offering terms to early settlers. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 435 

1813 "Wedding" was the pass word that night among 

the troops at Plattsburg, for it was the wedding 
night of young Dr. Benj. J. Mooers and Mary Piatt of 
Cumberland Head. A few months later the young 
doctor was using his skill as a surgeon among the 
wounded of those troops. 

1831 At his homestead on the State road, four miles 

north of Plattsburg, and overlooking Tread well's bay, 
the Hon. Thomas Treadwell died at the age of 84. 
The old house was taken down in 1870 or '71 and its 
timbers used in the erection of a house near Allen 
Brook on the Moffit Road. The boards used in the 
old structure were very wide, in fact, wide enough 
for a door. One of these (still preserved) has in it 
a port hole, through which the master was wont to 
oversee the work of his slaves in the fields of the estate. 
Near the grave of the "Master" is that of one of 
his household slaves, marked with a stone bearing 
this inscription: 

"Old Phillis, ago and her 

the slave was last request 
of African birth as she passed 
And she died to her rest 
long ago, long was 'Lay me 

at old Massa's feet.' " 

DECEMBER 31 

The wind goes wailing, the sky is gray. — Btickhant. 

1766 — went with more hands and hauled up the 

other Bateau, sent Ireland and David to the Far 
meadow for a yoke of oxen for McAuley, they are 
also to assist Thomas Bready to skin my large 
white ox with one drooping horn, which was drowned 
at the far meadow creek a few days ago. — GilUland. 



436 Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 

1775 In a blinding snow storm, Montgomery attempts 

the capture of Quebec by assault, receiving his 
death wound. Arnold is severely wounded in the leg. 
Morgan fights until half his men are killed or wounded 
and the rest benumbed and helpless from cold. He 
then surrenders and Dearborn also. Capt. Edward 
Mott, in the detachment personally led by Mont- 
gomery, behaves with great bravery. 

"Happy would it have been for Arnold, if instead of being 
wounded, he too, had died, since by his subsequent treason at 
West Point, he blasted forever the glory of his gallant conduct 
on that occasion." 

That dear old home, where pass'd my childish years. 

— Margaret Davidson. 

1783 In a small story and a half house, weather 

boarded, at the Trap, St. George's Hundreds, New 
Castle county, Delaware, was born Thomas Mac- 
donough, son of Major Thomas Macdonough of the 
Delaware Continental Line. 

1837 Margaret Davidson and her mother watched the 

old year out and Margaret wrote the poem beginning : 

Hark to the house-clock's measured chime. 

As it cries to the startled ear, 
"A dirge for the soul of departing time, 

A requiem for the year." 

1846 Death of Ebenezer Balch in the house which 

he built in 181 2. He had come, a pioneer from 
Hartford, Conn., in 1800; was a member of the com- 
pany of "Silver Grays" and as such participated 
in the battle of Plattsburg. Meeting with financial 
losses while shipping timber to Quebec by rafts, he 
sold his farms to his sons Ebenezer and Alvah 
Burchard. His character is well summed up in 
the text of the sermon preached at his funeral. 

Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of 
that man is Peace. — Psalms xxxvii, 37. 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 437 

1885 First electric lights shone in Plattsburgh's streets, 

the company being organized with capital from 
abroad. 

But in the sky the Moon rides high, 

And from the belfry's height, 
The midnight chime now tolls the time 
When we must bid "Good Night." 
Good Night! 
Good Night! 

— Rev. J. H. Hopkins, Jr. 

Every date in my pneumatic calendar has been checked off. 
Have they not strange, subtle voices, these messengers of the 
air. — Buckham. 

1909 The last day of the year in Plattsburgh found 

the Smith mausoleum, begun September 22, com- 
pleted and the remains of Loyal L. Smith, Platts- 
burgh's benefactor, placed therein; also the new 
Y. M. C. A. building, his most worthy monument, 
ready for the New Years' reception. 

Farewell! for thy truth-written record is full. 
And the page weeps, for sorrow and crime; 

Farewell ! for the leaf hath shut down on the past, 
And conceal'd the dark annals of time. 



The bell! it hath ceased with its iron tongue 

To ring on the startled ear, 
The dirge o'er the grave of the lost one is rung, 

All hail to the new-born year. 

— Margaret Davidson. 



ROLL OF HONOR OF SARANAC CHAPTER, DAUGHTERS OF THE 
AMERICAN REVOLUTION, PLATTSBURGH, N. Y. 



Name. 
Adams, Joseph, 

Aldan, Daniel, 



Ashley, Thomas, 
Ball, Adonijah, 
Ball, Moses, 
Beckwith, Barzillia, 
Beede, Reziah, 

Beman, Nathan, 



Benedict, Thos., Sr., 

Billings, John, 
Billings, Samuel, 
Black, Henry, 

Blish, Daniel, 

Bonner, Daniel, 
Brooks, William, 
Bostwick, Ebenezer, 
Brown, Adam, 
Buell, Elias, 



Carpenter, Benj., 



Carriel, Nathaniel, 



State. Service. 

Conn., Private, 

Mass., Dep. to Gen 
Court & J. P., 

N. H., Private, 
Mass., Private, 
Mass., Corporal, 
Conn., Sergeant, 
N. H., Private, 

N. H. Guide to 
Grants, Ethan Allen 

& Private, 
N. Y., Sergeant, 

Conn., Priv. & Corp., 
Conn., Private, 
Mass., Lieutenant, 

Conn., Sergeant, 

Mass., Private, 
N. H., Ensign, 
Conn., Sergeant, 
Mass., Sergeant, 
Conn., Major, 



Mass., Field Officer, 



Mass., Ensign, 



Daughter. 

Miss Elizabeth Beckwith 
Sowles 
'I Alice Skinner Whittelsey 
(Mrs. S. S.) 

(Resigned 1908.) 
Miss Lucy Rebecca Warren 
) Maria Jeannette Brookings 
i" Tuttle (Mrs. G. F.) 
Miss Sowles 
Harriet Dudley Bell (Mrs. 

W. W.) 
Jessie Beman Campbell 
(Mrs. J. W.) 

Kate Lyon Botsford (Mrs, 
E. F.) 

> Mrs. Whittelsey 

Maude Sawyer Black Buck 

(Mrs. W. S.) 
Miss Lydia Independence 

Jones 
) Emma Cynthia Bonner 
\ Nichols (Mrs. G. F.) 
Miss Erminia Juliet Hall 
Miss Jones 

Caroline S. Hudson Bone- 
steel (Mrs. C. H.) 
Jeanette Mead Guibord 

(Mrs.W.W.) (Died 1901.) 
Eleanor Mead Hudson (Mrs) 

Geo.H.) 
Lou Mary Slater Ames 

(Mrs. B. P.) 
Miss Ellen A. Hewitt 
Miss Alice Frances Everest 

Hewitt 



440 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



Name. 
Carriel, Nathaniel, 



State. Service. 

Mass., Ensign, 



Chandler, Benj., 
Chandler, Joseph, 
Chandler, David, 



Clark, Samuel, 

Cleveland, David, 

Cole, Daniel, 

Converse, Josiah, 
Converse, Jude, 

Crane, Joseph, 

Dewey, Benj., 

Douglass, Asa, 

Eastman, Obadiah, 



N. H., Sergeant, 

Selectman, 
Mass., Captain, 



Conn., Private, 

Mass., Private, 

N. H., Private, 

Mass., Lieutenant, 
Conn., Drummer & 

Private 
N. Y., Surgeon, 

Mass., Sergeant, 

N. Y., Major, 

N. H., Corporal, 



Edgell, John, 



Mass., Private & 
Corporal, 



Daughter. 
Lucretia Miller Taylor (Mrs 

Albert) 
Alice Everest Miller (Mrs. 

E.) 
Florence Dudley Turner 

Price (Mrs. Sim. J. Jr.,) 

(Trans. 1903) 
Luna Mabel Leonard Gris- 

mer (Mrs. C. V.) 
Abbie Hej-^'orth Backus 

(Mrs. Geo. C.) (Resigned 

1908) 
Sarah Heyworth Barber 

(Mrs. C. H.) 
Sarah Imogene Clark 

Hathaway (Mrs. F. F.) 

(Transferred 1909 to 

' Our Flag" Chapter, 

Washington, D. C.) 
Kate H. Cleveland Smith 

(Mrs. J. O.) 
Jennie B. Cole Dawson 

(Mrs. M. C.) 

Mrs. Whittelsey (Resigned 
■ 1908) 

Ella Barnes Watson (Mrs, 

W. C.) 
Charlotte Bancroft Trom- 

blee (Mrs. F. E.) 
Ellen Maria DeForris Bailey 

fMrs. S. P.) (Died 1901) 
Frances Bentley Wever 

(Mrs. J. M.) (Died 1898) 
Miss Louise DeForris 
Elizabeth Button Arnold 
Mary Boynton Arnold 
Helen Lansing Burritt 

(Mrs. B. L.) 
Ida Lansing Wilcox (Mrs. 

W. B.) 
Mary Edgell Jocelyn (Mrs. 

S. P.) 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



441 



Name. 
Edgerton, Simeon, 
Eells, Waterman, 
Everest, Joseph, 
Emerson, Nathaniel, 

Fairbanks, Phineas, 

Fitch, Jabez, 
Fitch, Roswell, 
Fitch, Joseph, 

Fiber, Thomas, 

Forbush, David, 



Forsyth, Matthew, 

Francis, Asa, 

Fuller, Ignatius, 
Gatchell, Jeremiah, 

Gilliland, William, 

Graves, Benj., 

Gunnison, Samuel, 
Hall, John, 

Hartwell, Jonathan, 



State. Service. 

Conn., Captain, 
Vt., Private, 
Vt., Private, 
N. H., Lieut. -Colonel, 

Mass., Captain, 

Conn., Captain, 
Conn., Private, 
Conn., Ensign, 

N. Y., Private, 

Mass., Lieutenant, 



N. H., Pres. Chester 
Com. of Safety 
Conn., Private, 

Mass., Private, 
Mass., Matross, 



N. Y., Captain, 



Conn., Private & 

Bodyguard to 
Washington 
N. H., Private, 
Conn., Lieutenant, 



N. H., Captain, 



Daughter. 
Miss Sowles 
• Miss Ellen A. Hewitt 

Anne Emerson Low (Mrs. 
E. C.) 

Emma L. Weston Barker 
(Mrs. D. F.) 

Mrs. Geo. F. Nichols (Re- 
signed 1909) 

Margaret Brown Backus 
(Mrs. Jabez) 

Margaret Dimon Edwards 
(Mrs. C. E. M.) 

W. Ernestine Towne (Mrs. 
J. H.) (Transferred 1897 
to Eunice Sterling Chap- 
ter, Wichita, Kansas) 

Mrs. F. E. Tromblee. 

Elizabeth S. Kellogg (Mrs. 

D. S.) 

Miss Loraine Snyder Anson 

Miss Elizabeth York (Trans- 
ferred 1909 to Ironde- 
quoit Chapter, Rochester, 
N. Y.) 

Miss Emily Thurber Gilli- 
land (Died 1904) 

Julia Ross Nichols (Mrs. 

E. L.) (Resigned 1897) 
Miss Kate J. Saxe 



Mrs. C. V. Grismer 

Adelia W. Martin (Mrs 

John) 
Mabel Martin Brady (Mrs. 

E.G.) 
Chastine Hartwell Rogers 

(Mrs. W. G.) 



442 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



Name. 


State. 


Service, 


Haynes, Aaron, 


Mass., 


Private, 


Haywood, David, 


Mass., 


Private, 


Herkimer, George. 


N. Y., 


Colonel, 


Hewitt, Gideon, 


Conn., 


, Private, 


Hobart, Daniel, 


Mass., 


Corporal, 


Hobart, Nehemiah, 


Mass., 


Selectman, 


Hooker, Martin, 


Conn. 


, Private, 


Hubbell, Wolcott, 


Conn. 


, Private, 


Hudson, James, 


Mass., 


, Captain, 


Hulett, Daniel, 


Conn. 


, Private, 



Hunt, Ephraim, 



Johnston, Chas. 



Jones, Nathan, Sr. 
Jones, Nathan, Jr., 
Kalb, John, 
Kellogg, William, 
Ketchum, Joseph, 



Mass., Private, 



N. H., Colonel, 



Conn. 
Conn. 
N. Y. 
N. Y. 

N. Y. 



} 



Daughter. 

Anna Palmer Danis ^(Mrs. 
F. R.) 

Mary Kate Alden Shedden 
(Mrs. L. L.) 

Miss Josephine Greene (Re- 
signed 1899) 

Miss Alice Hewitt 

Mrs. S. H. Price 

Mrs. Barker 

Jean McCain Mooers (Mrs. 

W. B.) 
Anne Moore Hubbell Jones 

(Mrs. C. H.) 
Miss Coranell Hudson 
Miss Edna Hudson 
Miss Mary Hudson 
Mrs. C. H. Barber 
Emma Cooke Edwards 

(Mrs. J. Q.) 
Abigail Arnold White (Mrs. 

J. B.) (Died 1899) 
Mary E. Williams Brown 

(Mrs. W. F.) (Resigned 

1902) 
I Rosa H. Averill Moore (Mrs 
I C. H.) (Resigned 1906; 

died 1908) 
Miss Frances Rosa Moore 



Sergeant, ) 

Private, > 

Private, ) 

, Private, 

, Quartermaster, 



Miss Lydia Independence 
Jones (Transferred 1902) 

Miss Louise A. Perry 

Mary Edgerton Nelson Cle- 
ment (Mrs. H. C.) (Re- 
signed 1 901) 

Miss Frances Rosa Moore 
(Resigned 1907) 

Rosa Averill Moore (Mrs. 
C. H.) (Resigned 1906; 
died 1908) 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



443 



Name. 
Lane, Derick, 



Larkin, Lorin Nehemiah, 

Lawrence, Nathaniel, 

Learned, Isaac, 

Lincoln, Elkanah, 

Little, Moses, 
Little, Stephen, 

Lynde, Jonathan, 

Mapson, Zacheus, 

Marshall, Ichabod, 

Marshall, Jonathan, 



State, 
N.J., 



Conn. 
Conn. 

Mass. 

Mass. 

Mass. 
Mass. 

N. Y. 

R. L, 



Service. 
Lieut. -Colonel, 



Private, 

Sergeant, 

Bombadier, 

Sergeant, 

Colonel, 
Rep. Mass. 
Leg. 1776, 
Private, 

Ensign, 



Mass., Sergeant, 



Mass., Corporal 



Marvin, Benjamin, 


N. Y., 


Captain, 


Mason, Aaron, 


Mass., 


Drummer, 


Mather, Samuel, M. D., 


Conn. 


, Captain, 


Matthews, Stephen, 


Conn. 


, Captain, 


Mclntyre, William, 


N. H., 


, Coxswain, 


Mattocks, Samuel, 


Conn. 


, Captain, 


Miller, Nathan, 


N. Y., 


, Private 



Mooers, Benjamin, 



Mass., Lieutenant, 



Daughter. 
Julia Russell Lane Myers 

(Mrs. J. H.) 
Gertrude R. Myers Bentley 

(Mrs. C. H.) 
Caroline Larkin Baker (Mrs. 

E. E.) 
Bertha Wilcox Parsons 

(Mrs. Lance) 
Ella Farnsworth Silver 

(Mrs. C. D.) 
Minnie Lincoln George 

(Mrs. J. A.) 

[• Mrs. G. F. Tuttle 

Miss Helen Mary Palmer 
(Resigned 1896) 

Mary Greene Bonesteel 
(Mrs. C. H.) (Resigned 
1902; died 1904) 

Miss Lucy Warren 

Pauline Marshall Phelps 
(Mrs. Lee) 

Miss Warren 

Mrs. Phelps 

Miss Sowles 

Maude Parsons Viall (Mrs. 
Harry) 

Miss Sowles 

Miss Mary Matthews 

Mrs. Tuttle 

Miss Ellen Rose Nye 

Almira Miller Averill (Mrs. 
H. K., Jr.) (Transferred 
1904) 

Lena Almira Elkins Dale 
(Mrs. C. J.) 

Lucy Beckwith Sowles 
(Mrs. M.) 

Margaret (Beckwith) Hough- 
ton (Mrs. Silas) (Re- 
signed 1899) 

Mrs. C. H. Jones 



444 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



Name. 


State. 


Service. 


Moores, Benjamin, 


Mass., 


Lieutenant, 


Moore, Mark, 


Mass., 


Private, 


Moore, Pliny, 


Mass., 


, Lieutenant, 


Moore, William, 


N. H., 


, Captain, 


Morgan, Jonas, 


Conn. 


, Ensign, 



Mygatt, Eli, 
Newcomb, Andrew, 



Palmer, Fenner, 
Palmer, John, 
Palmer, Sylvanus, 
Paulinte, Antoine, 
Payne, Noah, 
Phetteplace, John, 



Pease, Calvin, 

Philips, Samuel, 
Pierce, Jonathan, 



Pike, Ezra, 
Pike, Jarvis, 
Piatt, Charles, 



Conn. 
N. Y. 



, Lieut. -Colonel, 
Lieutenant, 



Conn 
Conn 
Vt., 
N. Y. 
Conn 
N. Y. 



Mass. 
N. Y. 



N. Y. 

N. Y. 

N. Y. 



Daughter. 

Miss Bowles 

Miss Sarah Wool Moore 

Sophie Beckwith Newton 
(Mrs. H. A.) 

May Moore Vert (Mrs. C.J.) 

Miss Helen McDougall 

Annie Hubbell Jones (Mrs. 
C. H.) 

Katherine (Moore) Rogers 
(Mrs. James) 

Ella McCaffrey Kernan 
(Mrs. Frances) (Re- 

signed 1899) 

Kate McCaffrey Burroughs 
(Mrs. James) (Died 1900) 

Jane Ketchum Morgan 
McCaffrey (Mrs. W. J.) 

Miss Isabella C. Mygatt 
(Resigned 1903) 

Eleanor Mead Hudson (Mrs 
Geo. H.) 

Jeanette Mead Guibord 
(Mrs. W. W.) 
) Anna Palmer Danis (Mrs. 
\ F. R.) 

Miss Jones (Resigned 1902) 

Miss Harriette Blow 

Miss Erminia Whitley 

Ida Thomas Hayes (Mrs 
L. W.) 

Miss Cora Moon 

Miss Ruth Waterman Nor- 
ton (Resigned 1906) 

Mrs. Tuttle 

Mrs. Katherine Barber Bar- 
ber (Mrs. P. H.) (Re- 
signed 1906) 
) Lillian Pike Everest (Mrs. 
) E. C.) (Resigned 1908) 
Quartermaster, Anna Heath Conant (Mrs 
Frank) 

Anna Palmer Danis (Mrs. 
F. R.) 



, Captain, 
,, Ensign, 
Private, 
, Captain, 
,, Private, 
, Private, 



Conn., Drummer, 



Private, 
Private, 



Private, 
Private, 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



445 



Name. 
Piatt, Nathaniel, 

Piatt, Zephaniah, Sr. 



Piatt, Zephaniah, Jr., 



State. Service. 

N. Y., Captain, 

N. Y., Signer Ass'n 
Test & Prison 
Martyr, 

N. Y., Lieutenant & 
Adjutant 



Prescott, Joshua, 

Randall, Stephen, 
Ransom, Elisha, 
Roberts, John, 



N. H., Patriot, 

Mass., Matross, 
Vt., Corporal, 
N. Y., Drummer, 



Daughter. 
Mrs. C. H. Jones 
Miss Sowles 
Mrs. Conant 
Mrs. Danis 
Catherine Cady Endicott 

(Mrs. F. C.) 
Jeannette Averill Corbin 

(Mrs. Royal) (Resigned 

1897) 
Mrs. Endicott 
Sarah Piatt Fuller (Mrs. 

W. A.) (Resigned 1902; 

died 1902) 
Miss Margaret Piatt Fuller 

(Resigned 1902) 
Susan Averill Kellogg (Mrs. 

S. A.) (Resigned 1897; 

died 1899) 
Mary Piatt Lobdell (Mrs. 

F. P.) 
Miss Mary Piatt Mooers 

(Resigned 1908) 
Katherine Mooers Piatt 

(Mrs. A. M.) (Resigned 

1907) 
Margaret Wolff Rutherford 

(Mrs. A.) 
Pauline Cady Stoddard 

(Mrs. Chauncey) 
Mary Sailly Warren (Mrs. 

A. M.) 
Martha Burch Wolff (Mrs. 

John) 
Miss Helen Douglass Wood- 
ward 
Helen Prescott Lansing 

(Mrs. C. W.) 
Mrs. Barker 

Miss Mary Elizabeth Barber 
Jeanette Mead Guibord 

(Mrs. W. W.) (Died 1901) 
Mrs. G. H. Hudson 



446 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



Name. 
Roberts, John, 

Sanderson, Isaac, 

Scott, Henry, 

Senter, Joseph, 
Sherwood, Adiel, 

Signor, Jacob, 

Skinner, William, 

Southmayd, William, 
Spalding, Joseph, 

Steams, Asa, 

Steams, John, 



Stiles, Asa, 
Sykes, Ashbel, 



Ten Broeck, John C. 



Thomas, Israel, 
Tompkins, Gilbert, 



State. Service. 
N. Y., Drummer, 

Mass., Private, 

N. Y., Private, 

N. H., Colonel, 
N. Y., Captain, 

N. Y., Private, 

Mass., Private, 

Conn., Private, 
Vt., Sergeant, 

Mass., Private, 

Mass., Lieutenant, 



Conn., Private, 
Conn., Private, 



N. Y., Captain, 



Conn., Private, 
R. I., Sergeant of 
Marines 



Treadway, Jonathan, Mass., Drummer, 



Daughter. 

SarahWeed Ketchimi (Mrs. 

Wm.S.) (Resigned 1899) 
Flora Clapp Ransom (Mrs. 

J. B.) 
Elizabeth Fiske Johnson 

Clapp (Mrs. H. Rowland) 
Miss Lucy Warren 
Theodora Kyle Chase (Mrs. 

F. H.) (Resigned 1902) 
Mary E. Williams Brown 

(Mrs. Wm. F.) (Resigned 

1902) 
Mrs. Whittelsey (Resigned 

1909) 
Mrs. Wm. Brown 
Jessie Spalding Black (Mrs. 

James B.) 
Jessie Barber Johnson (Mrs. 

C. S.) 
Miss Catherine Hodges 
Marion E. Hodges (Mrs. 

Chester E.) 
Margaret Robinson (Mrs. 

John R.) 
Miss Amina Stiles 
Emma Brewer Bromley 

(Mrs. Earle A.) 
Adelaide Brewer Kimmell 

(Mrs. Wm. S.) (Resigned 

1909) 
Miss Elizabeth Ross (Re- 
signed 1902) 
Frances Ross Weed (Mrs. 

Geo. S.) (Resigned 1902) 
Mrs. L. W. Hayes 
Elizabeth Tompkins Jones 

(Mrs. E. N.) (Transferred 

to White Plains Chapter 

1905) 
Adeline Treadway Lobdell 
(Mrs. G. M.) 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



447 



Name. 
Turbett, Thomas, 



State. 
Penn., 



Service. 
Lieut. -Colonel, 



Tuttle, Samuel, 



Tuttle, Samuel, Jr., 
Walworth, Benjamin, 



Mass., Lieutenant & 
Superintendent 
to Working 
Parties 



Mass., 
Conn., 



Private, 
Quartermaster, 



Ward, David, 


N. Y., 


Private, 


Wesson, James, 


Mass., 


Colonel, 


West, Wilkes, 


N. H., 


, Private, 


Whitney, Jason, 


Mass.; 


, Private, 


Whitney, Samuel, 


Mass., 


, Private, 


Wilcox, Eleazer, 


N. H. 


, Signer Ass'n 
Test, 


Wilcox, Obadiah, 


N. H.; 


, Corporal, 


Wilcox, Obadiah, Jr., 


N. H., 


, Private, 


Wood, Jonathan, 


N.Y., 


, Private, 



Wood, Solomon, 



N. Y., Private, 



Daughter. 

Eleanor McGill Carr (Mrs. 
W. B.) 

Alexandra Gamble Duke 
(Mrs. T. T.) 

Eleanor A. McG. Gamble 
(Resigned 1909) 

Mary McGill Gamble (Mrs 
Joseph) 

M. Jeanette Brookings Tut- 
tle (Mrs. G. F.) 

Ella Holmes Waterman 
(Mrs. John. A.) 

Miss Sadie Laura Wayne 

Mrs. Tuttle, Mrs. Waterman 

Caroline Walworth Fams- 
worth (Mrs. John) (Re- 
signed 1 901) 

Mary Walworth Joerrison 
(Mrs. Joseph) (Trans- 
ferred to Oneida Chapter, 
Utica, 1906) 

Miss Jones 

Mrs. Barker 

Charlotte Bancroft Trom- 
blee (Mrs. Frank E.) 

Mary Kate Alden Shedden 
Mrs. L. L.) 

Elizabeth Fairchild Stower 
(Mrs. J. N.) 

Miss. L. I. Jones 

Augusta Wood Cady (Mrs. 
H. W.) (Died 1898) 

Miss Kate H. Wood (Trans- 
ferred to Philip Schuyler 
Chapter 1896) 

Helen Lawrence Marshall. 
(Mrs. Milo H.) 

Alice Phelps Kellogg Riley 
(Mrs. F. J.) 



448 



Three Centuries in Champlain Valley 



Name. State. Service. 

Woodbury, Bartholomew, Mass., Colonel, 



Woodruff, John, 
Woodruff, Silas, 



Conn., Captain, 
N. Y., Private, 



Daughter. 
Miss Grace Mabel Everest 
Miss Alice F. E. Hewitt 
Miss Ellen A. Hewitt 
Mrs. S. J. Price 
Mrs. A. H. Taylor 
Miss Mary Matthews 
Katherine Woodruff Shaw 
(Mrs. James) 



INDEX OF PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS. 



Abenakis, 163, 165, 350. 

AbERCROMBIE, 151, 202, 204, 207, 

214, 226, 235. 
Aboir, p., 231. 
Abolitionists, 8, 14, 139, 273-4 

361, 403-5. 
AcLAND, John Dyke, 175. 

Lady Harriet, 191, 197. 
Adams, Elisha A., 405. 

Henry J., 141, 405. 
Addams, Elizabeth, 31, 149, 318. 

John, 31, 41, 42, 149, 197, 265, 
318, 373, 385, 434- 

John Townsend, 190, 385. 

Mary (Townsend), 42, 318, 385. 
Adirondack Chapter, D. A. R., 44, 

264. 
Adriance, Caroline, 147, 355. 
Agniers, 80. 
Agricultural Societies, 30, 104, 

403, 418. 
Aikens, Asa, 20, 119. 

Betsey (Smith), 20. 

Martin J., 151, 281. 

Solomon, 20. 
Aiken's Volunteers, 38, 151, 281-2, 

289. 
Alden, Alonzo, 24, 223. 

Isaac, 223. 

John, 223. 
Alger, Russell, 236. 
Algonquins, 163, 165, 181, 315, 318. 
Allen, Anson H., 205-6, 336. 

Charles P., 401. 

Ebenezer (Col.) 25, 45, 86, 351, 

354- 

Edward Viel, 75. 

Elisha, 388, 395. 

Enoch, 354. 

Ethan (Gen.), 10, 14, 23, 29, 32, 
45. 47. 50. 51. 54, 86, 105, 126, 
127-129, 131-133, 144, 146, 
158, 168, 200, 258-9, 312, 316, 

327. 336, 354. 394- 
Ethan Voltaire, 14, 55. 
Ezra, 407. 



Allen, Fanny, 55. 

Frances Montezuma (Buchanan) 

14, 54. 3i(^- 
Frederick, 289. 
Hannibal, 29, 55. 
Heman (Capt.) of Bennington, 

261, 312. 
Heman (Colchester, Burlington) 

192. 
Heman (Milton, Burlington) 

354-5. 401, 410-11. 
Ira (Gen.), 14, 23, 50, 140, 354, 

364- 
Ira H., 140. 
James S., 398. 
Jerusha (Enos), 140. 
John, 388, 395, 410. 
Jonas, 94-5, 189. 
Lamberton, 25, 354. 
Levi, 23, 51. 
Lucinda, 261. 
R. P., 26. 
Samuel, Sr., 354. 
Samuel, Jr., 354-5- 
Thomas, 90, 157, 216, 284. 
Zenas, 87, 157, 407. 
Alvis, Mr., 296. 

Amherst, 36, 176, 185, 225, 227, 230, 
235, 242-3, 257, 321, 329, T,2,z, 
338-340, 342, 345-6. 350- 
Andrance, Albert, 266. 
Andre, John, 318, 362. 
Andrews, J. Warren, 377. 
Anstruther, Lieutenant, 250. 
Antill, Edward, 291. 
Appling, Lieut. -Col., 281. 
Armstrong, Clarissa, 324. 
Libean, 324. 
Martin, 77. 
Arnold, Benedict, 39, 61, 11 7-8, 
127-8, 132, 136, 142-6, 177, 
180, 188, 260, 263, 279, 286, 
291. 305. 308-9, 324, 329. 
331-4, 337. 397, 402, 436. 
Elisha, 72, 



450 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Arthur, Chester A., 323. 

Reuben, 10 1. 

Richard D., 292. 
Ashley, EHsha, 49. 

Enoch, 49. 
AsTOR, John Jacob, 56, 84, 154- 
Atkinson, Colonel, 231. 
Atwood, Joab, 399. 

William, 359, 399. 
AuGusTiN, Helena, 364. 
Austin, President (U. V. M.), 71- 
AvERiLL, Calvin K., 26, 161. 

Daniel, 74, 266, 416. 

Henry K., 81, 87, 112-3, 151, 

157. 315- 
Maria K., 23. 
Mary (Polly), 23, 87, 104, 112, 

161, 173. 384- 
Nathan, Sr., 74, 89, 94, 266, 320, 

373, 402, 416. 
Nathan, Jr., 23, 74, 87, 103, 112, 

161, 173, 266, 416. 
Samuel, 348. 
Ayers, Eliakim, 60, 66-7, 166, 171, 
296, 324, 334, 401, 405. 
Robert, 121. 
Ayotte, Pierre, 290. 
Ayslin, Isaac, 361. 
AzY, d' Lieut., 212. 

Badlam, Mrs., 318. 

William, 318. 
Bacon, Esther, 3 10-3 11. 

Mary, 384. 

Wm. C, 124. 
Bailey, Florence B., 403. 

Edmund S., 403. 

Gen. Jacob, 264. 

James, 115, 284, 319-20. 

John, 65, 78, 223. 

John W., 78, 244. 

Theodorus, 8, 45, 105-6, 229, 
330, 403. 

Thurber, 244. 

William, 8, 14, 45. 58, 65, 78, 
98, 104-5, "5. 123, 140, 229, 
310. 

William, H., 58, 98. 
Bainbridge, Commodore, 138. 
Baker, C. Alice, 357. 

Daniel, 115. 

E. C, 277, 349- 

Jane, 32. 

Mrs. M. G., 13. 

Remember, 82, 133, 213, 394- 

Reuben, 72. 



Baker, Thomas, 307, 371, 407. 

William, 86. 
Balcarres, General, 175. 
Balch, Alvah, 350, 436. 

Chester, 163, 399. 

Ebenezer, Sr., i6r, 352, 436. 

Ebenezer, Jr., 350, 352-3, 436. 

Mrs. Timothy, 9, 353. 

Timothy, 148, 163, 350, 352. 
Baldwin, Mary, 265. 
Ball, 372. 

Adonijah, 385. 

Isaac, 385. 

Moses, 385. 

Rachel, 385. 
Banker, Lucretia, 259, 360. 
Baptist Church, 12, 57, 63, 64, 68. 

95, 100, 147, 174, 424- 
Barber, Alanson D., 55, 274. 

G. E., 347. 349. 371- 

Isaac, 361. 

John, 88. 
Barker, Hannah, 350. 

Nicholas, 310, 350. 

N. B., 347- 
Barnard, Charles, no. 

Joseph, no, 152. 
Barnes, A. C, 203. 

Asa, 132 

Jeremiah, 268. 

Lois, 152. 

Lucretia, 152. 

M. A. 295. 

William, 136. 
Barr, Conrad, 340, 384. 
Barret, P. J., 212. 

Lawrence, 433 
Barron, Joseph, 22, 157, 299, 306. 
Barrows, Isaac, 88. 
Barton, Caleb, 426. 

Lewis, 266. 
Bassett, David, 361. 
Bateman, Smith, 152. 
Bates, Elizabeth, 35. 
Baum, Frederick, 249, 262. 
Beach, Cynthia, 313, 343- 
Beale, George, 191. 
Beaudry, Louis N., 390. 
Beauharnois, Marquis de, 329, 400. 
Beaumont, Samuel, 27, 284, 328. 

William, ri8, 216-17, 328. 
Beckwith, Baruch, 27, ^t,, 421. 

Benj. M., 344-5. 347. 37^. 42i. 

Daniel, 153 263. 

George H., 347. 

George, M., 33,103,148,277,423- 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



451 



Beckwith, Julius D., 371. 
Bedue, Sieur, 360. 
Beecher, Lyman, 69. 
Beekman, William, 58. 
Belden, Lois, 352. 
Belding, Sarah, 401. 
Bellamy, Justus, 398. 
Bellemont, Earl of, 259. 
Bellevue Chapter, D. A. R., 94. 
Bellows, Hiram, 48. 
James, 291. 
James T., 48. 
Tryphena, 48. 
Belton, George, 47, 52, 65, 66, 77, 
84, 112, 131, 185, 304, 334, 338, 
365- 
Beman, Aaron, 419, 423. 
Amy, 96. 
George, 419. 
Jemima, 419. 
Nathan, 8,96, 13 1-2, 157, 263-4, 

300, 419. 
Samuel, 94, 96, 157, 264, 266, 
300. 
Benedict, 141. 
Aaron, 350. 
Cyrus, 350, 380. 
G. C, 309. 
Walter H., 141. 
Bennet, John N., 88. 
Bentley, Charles, 116. 
Benzel, Adolphus, 70, 306. 
Berrien, John, 266. 
Berthier, Sieur de, 326. 
BiDWELL, Sedgwick W., 403. 
Billings, Andrew, 266. 

Mr., 420. 
Bingham, Jerusha, 312 
Bird, Gustavus A., 151. 

105. 

Bissell, Ben, 26. 

General, 90. 
Bissell's Brigade, 239 
BixBY, Deborah, T. S., 76. 

George F., 44, 172. 
Black Watch Regiment, 201, 221, 

323. 
Blake, C. D., 428. 
Blanchard, Orlin, 361. 
Bleecker ) r -u 
Bleeker [Jo^n. 52. 
Blood, Nathaniel, 77. 
Bloomfield, Joseph, 276, 301, 364, 

370. 
Blush, Harvey, 283. 



Boardman, Benjamin, 232, 269, 292, 

Edwin, 303. 

Elisha, 232, 269. 

Henry, 232, 269. 

Hezekiah, 292. 

Horace, 370. 

Joseph, 232, 269, 303. 

Lucius, 370. 

Samuel, 232, 292. 
Bogert, William, 64. 
Boilau, Pierre, 231. 
Boilleau, Amable, 291. 

BOLABARRAS, M. dC, 333. 

Bonneville, General, 167. 
Booth, Edwin, 433. 

F. E., 349, 371. 

John H., 424. 
Bordwell, Joel, 271. 
Bostwick, Hulda, 153. 
Botsford, E. F., 44. 
Boucher, M., 362. 
Bougainville, General, 268-9, 272. 
Bouille, Helene, 430. 

Nicholas, 430. 
Bourdon, Sieur, 163. 
Bourlemaque, General, 227, 240 

252, 395. 
Bowen, Bishop, 358. 

S. P., 194, 428. 
Bowman, Bishop, ^84. 

A. W., 373.^ 
Boynton, John, 146, 307, 373, 399. 
Bradford, Elisha, Sr., 345. 

Elisha, Jr., 345. 
Bradstreet, Colonel, 207. 
Brady } rj., 

BREADYf^^'°"^^S' "2, 42s, 435. 

Braman, Daniel, 405. 
Brand, H., 240. 

James, 263. 
Breakenbridge ) T 
Breakenridge f James, 234, 430- 

Mary, 397. 
Breed, Allen, Sr., 182, 248, 260, 

323- 

Allen, Jr., 248, 359. 

Eliphalet, 260. 
Brewer, Chief Justice, 304. 
Brewster, Jeremiah, 341. 
Bridge, Samuel Southby, 338, 341, 

343- 
Brimmer, George, 77. 
Brinkerhoff, Abraham, 136, 137. 

Abram D., 21, 64. 

Mrs. Abraham, 107. 



452 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Brisbane, Ezekiel, 286. 

xMaj. -General, 263, 273, 275-6, 

284. 
Broadwell, David, qi. 
;••-. Noah, 310. 
!t, ] Smith, 91. 
Brock, L. D., 370, 384-5- 
Brook, Lord, 33. 
Brooks, Bartemas, 152. 
Bromley, I. W. R., 370. 
Brown, Captain, 70. 
Captain John, 279. 
Colonel, 58. 
George, 43- 
John (of Ossawatomie), 149-51, 

273, 279, 2S0, 403, 404-5. 
John (of Rhode Island), 262. 
Josiah, 37. 
Judge, 134- 
Hannah, 134- 
Major, 342. 
Mary A., 403. 
Peter, 279. 
Sabra, 303. 
Brunneau, a. O., 124. 
Brunson, John, 35. 
Bryce, Ambassador, 204, 208-11. 
Buchanan, Fanny (Allen q. v.) 
Buck, Bellina, 153. 
Bostwick, 239. 
David, 153. 
Ephriam, 113, 130- i53. 251. 

368. 
George F., 251, 420. 
Henry, 130. 
Hulda, 153. 
Joel, 153. 
Philander, 153. 
Buckham, James, 10-14, 17. 21, 36, 
39, 51. 53. 59- 64, 84, 88, 
93-4, 100, 105, 107-9, ii^~ 
112, 114, 116, 121, 123-125, 
127, 138, 140. 143. M7-8, 
152, 154, 156, 160-3, 165, 168, 
172, 195, 206, 218, 220, 222, 
225, 228, 230, 236, 240-1, 
24^-7, 257, 274, 276-7, 296, 
298, 303-5. 318-321, 325. 327, 
336, 338-40, 351-3- 356. 358, 
360, 373, 377-9- 397, 400, 

434-5- 43 7- 
Matthew Henry, 235, 378, 424- 

*"The Heart of Life," a collec- 
tion of early poems is pub- 
lished by Copeland & Day of 
Boston. 



Buhl JElias, 252. 

BUELL, J ' -^ 



Julia (Sailly), 415. 

Ozias, 244. 

Polly, 130, 408. 

Samuel, 18, 252, 273. 
BuLKLEY, Catherine F., 76. 

Edwin A., 65, 429. 
BuLLARD, Erastus, 390. 
Bullock, Grace, 377. 
BuRBANK, Lucy, 372. 
BuRCHARD, James, 350. 

Sarah, 350-1. 

BURGOYNE, 126, 134, 170, 174, 178-9, 
182, 184-5, I90-I, 197. 199. 202, 

248-9, 259, 354, 404- 
Burke, Bishop, 212. 

Mary. 

Mayor, 211. 

Thomas, 70, 77, 79. 
BuRNHAM, George, 281. 
Burroughs, Kate L., (McCaffrey), 

120. 
Burrows, J. M., 286. 
Burt, Benjamin, 401. 

George, 409. 
Bush, Isaac, 136. 
Butler, Benjamin, 87. 

Henr3^ E., 19. 
Butterfield, Thomas, 341- 
Byantum, John, 177. 
Byington, Joel, 67, 171, 337- 

Cabot, Abigail, 43- 

Marston, 43. 
Cady, Augusta M. (Wood), 171. 

Cyrus, 421. 

Daniel, W., 209. 

Heman, 113, 421. 

H. W., 371. 

T. P., 370. 
Caillat, Marie, 427. 

Calkin, f ggniamin, 19, 266. 

Calkins, ) 

Calvanistic Cong'l Church, 57, 60, 

80, 104, III, 261, 367, 412. 
Cammeron, William, 77. 
Campbell, Anna, 250. 

Duncan, 221, 250. 

Jam.es, 398. 

John, 126. 

Lieutenant, 126. 
Cane, William, 276. 
Captives, Indian, 23, 24, 305, 400-2. 
Carew, Judge, 107. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



453 



Carignan-Salieres, i6, 32, 87, 41, 

47- 80, 315. 318. 
Carlton, General, 160, 175-6, 248, 
278, 297, 318, 337, 342, 354, 
404. 

Lady Maria, 313. 
Carpenter, Benjamin, 228. 

Polly, 348. 

Miss, 413. 
Carroll, Charles, 114, 133. 

John, 114. 
Carter, John M., 140. 

Judith, 40S. 

Lieutenant, 294, 299. 

William, 420. 
Carver, Nathan, 25. 
Cary, Phebe, 407. 
Casse, (Corse) Elizabeth, 218, 357, 

368. 
Cassin, Lieutenant, 137. 
Casson, Father, 271. 
Catholic (Roman) Church, 121, 

124, 125-6, 137, 154, 201, 212, 

218—219, 229, 237, 256, 271, 

285, 313, 319, 321, 355, 361, 

362, 380, 385, 391, 400-403, 

415, 416, 418, 422, 429. 
Catholic Summer School, 44, 254, 

268. 
Catlin, Mary, 319. 

Moses, 244, 261. 
" Cato," 14. 
Chamberlain, Edward B., 69, 72. 

Wyman, 383. 
Chambers, William, 352. 
Chambly, de, 326. 
Champlain Academy, 286. 

Assembly, (Cliff Haven, q.v.). 

Canal, 30, 246—7. 

Ferry Company, 35. 

Madame, 421-422. 

Presbytery, 19, 202, 380. 

Samuel de, 181, 195-7, ^99. 201, 
212-213, 225, 235, 421, 428, 

43°- 
Transportation Company, 13, 

35, 38, 55, 150, 353- 
Chandler, Doctor, 328. 

W. H., 349. 
Chantonette, Francis, 171, 341. 
Charles II, 279. 
Chartier, Theodore, 291. 
Chase, Moses, 55, 137, 244. 

Samuel, 114. 
Chasy, Sieur de, 80, 114. 



Chateaugay Ore & Iron Co., 109. 

Chatterton, John, 19. 

Chaurain, Lewis, 418. 

Chipman, John, 362. 

Chism, John, 7, 108, 130, 324, 333, 

^ 365,383- 

Chittenden, Thomas, 9, 13, 108, 222, 

312. 
Church, Captain, 407. 
Churchill, Samuel, 64. 
Cincinnati, Order of the, 123, 150. 
Clapp, Joel, 317. 
Clark, Bethuel, 361. 

B. S. W., 115. 

Colonel Isaac, 64, 91, 221-2. 

George L., 277. 

Jesse, 361. 

Joanne W., 76. 

John, 361, 430. 

Miss C. P., 317. 

Newman S., 231. 

Sally, II. 

Samuel, no. 

W. O., 74. 
Clement, President, 285. 
Clifford, Jonathan, 359. 
Clinton County Agricultural Soci- 
ety, 104, 276, 337, 418. 

Associate Mission, 39. 

Bible Society, 36, 67-8. 

Medical Society, 22, 24-7, 245, 
3.02-3, 325. 

Military Association, 294-5. 
Clinton Lodge, F. & A. M., 400. 

406. 
Clinton, DeWitt, 400. 

George, 82, 113, 123, 231. 

Sir Henry, 153. 
Cloutier, Charles, 231. 
Clowes, Mr., 429. 
Cochran, John, 98, 409-410. 

Robert, 177. 

Sarah, 409—410. 
CoDRiNGTON, Sir Edward, 49. 
CoE, Martha, 318. 

William, 94. 
Coffin, Tristram, 350. 
CoiT, Joseph H., 136, 254, 318-9, 

321. 
Cole. Caleb P., 69. 

Joseph, 69. 
Collins, Gideon, 431. 

Mr., 29. 
Columbus, 348. 



454 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Commissioners (Boundary Line), 
278, 285-6. 

(Land), 74, 123, 290. 

(Peace), 118. 

(Tercentenary), 286, 288-9, 4^4- 

(Turnpike), 96. 
CoMSTOCK, Peter, 178, 246-7. 

Polly, 252. 

Rufus, 252. 

Samuel, 246. 
CoNANT, R. T., 317. 
Cong'l Presbyterian Church, 26, 

64, 80-81, loi, 116, 133, 274. 
Cong'l Unitarian Church, 16, no, 

113' 
Congress, Continental, 34, 133, 312, 

37°- 

Provincial, 34, 117, 236. 
CoNKLiN, Elizabeth, 21, 407, 419. 

Roscoe, 407. 
CoNROY, John J., 154, 3S5. 
Constable, William, 115. 
CoNTRECOUR, Sieur, 207. 
Converse, J. H., 60, 401. 

Lucy, 164. 
Cook, Joseph, 24, 229, 321, 390. 

Ransom, 121. 

Susan, 158, 231, 382. 

William H., 428. 
Cooper, Charles D., 96. 

Henry, 177. 

J. Fenimore, 156. 

Sir AstleJ^ 49. 
CoRBiN, Abigail, 31. 

Charity, 43. 

John, 31, 43, 44. 

Josiah, 14, 113. 

Joseph, 113, 258, 320, 376. 

Martha, 21, 31, 43, 376. 

Mary (Tallmadge), 258. 

Moses, 318. 

Royal, 43, no, 348. 

Warren, 103, 383. 
CoRLEAR, 287. 

Corning (Coming & Cook), 415. 
CoTTRiLL, C. H., 349, 371. 
CouRCELLES, M. de, 16, 29, 37, 47, 

287, 318, 432-3- 
CouRSOL, Justice, 414. 
CowLES, C. D., 68, 74, 204, 209, 

268. 
CoYLE, Dr., 268. 
Craig, John, 43, 94. 

Sir James, 404. 

Sir John, 48. 



Cramer, Fred H., 347, 349. 
Crippen, Sarah, 246. 
Crook, James, 104. 
Crosby, E., 371. 

E. M., 428. 
Cross, Henry, 177. 
Culbertson, Lieutenant, 188. 
Culver, Francis, 194, 196-7. 

John, 318. 
Curtis, Zerah, 11. 
Cutler, Christiana, 75. 
CuYLER, John Bleecker, 40. 

Stephen, 72. 

Daggett, Naptha, 54. 

Mary, 54, 140. 
Dane, Prof., 196. 
Darby, Jacob, 361. 
•' David," 9, 435. 
Davidson, John, 415. 
Julian O., 277. 
Levi P., 219, 363, 396, 397. 
Lucretia, 86, 88, 104, 109, 117, 
124, 125, 155-6, 170, 191, 
210, 219, 243, 270—1, 314, 
337, 348, 421, 425. 
Margaret (Miller), 122, 150, 155, 
195, 219, 223, 225, 275-6, 
281, 290, 332. 
Margaret M., 7, 18, 67, 69, 72, 
85, 86, 88, 99, 114, 1S7, 192-3, 
199, 219, 224, 264—5, 277, 
307, 310, 328-9, 335-6, 392, 

427-8. 436-7- 

]\Iatthias O., 88, 219, 277. 

Oliver P., 24, 25, 219. 
D'avignon, Francis J., 244, 388. 
Davis, Captain, 334. 
Davoust, 165. 
Day, Thomas, 77. 
Deall, Samuel, 16. 
Dean, Mr., 65, 273. 
Deane, Sarah, 118, 377. 

Silas, 118. 
Dearborn, General, 327, 334, 422, 

436- 
DeForris, Charles S., 347. 

Truman, 302-3, 316. 
De Goesbriand, Bishop, 124-5, 237. 
Delaney, James, 349. 

Patrick K., 154. 
De Levis, 209, 214. 
Dellius, Godfrey, 279. 
Delord, Frances (Quinac), 235. 

Frances H., 335. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



455 



Delord, Henry, 88, 233, 235, 239, 
254, 310, 335, 400. 

Jean Baptiste, 235. 

Madam, 24, 254, 335. 
Demary, 38S. 
Deming, Julius, 244. 
Denio, Conrad, 361. 
Dennis, George, 361. 
Denonville, M. de, 376. 
Desabrevois, 38. 
Derochers, T. E., 371. 
Deuel, } -c^ x, ■ ^^ 

Duel (Dual), f ^P^"^^""' •^^^- 

Joseph, 388. 

Phoebe, 388, 410. 
Dewey, Thomas, 49. 

Zabadiah, 49. 
Dibble, Israel, 178. 
Dickson, | t a 

Dixon, flona, 361. 

Moses, 171, 296, 324, 365. 
Dielle, Caroline A. (Piatt), 97, 
223. 

John, 97, 223. 
DiESKAu, Baron, 240, 279, 287. 
DiGBY, Lieutenant, 160, 173, 176, 

198, 205, 208, 226, 251, 313, 

317. 333- 
DoBiE, David, 9, 26, 32, 51, 52, 61, 
103. 

Eliza, 103. 
Dodge, Daniel, 57, 267, 296. 

John A., 57. 

Jordan, 57. 
DooLiTTLE, Ephraim, 327, 329. 
DoMiNEY, John, 107. 

DONGAN, ) ^ o 

DONEGAN, f Governor. 287. 
Doric Club, 368. 
DoRLAND, Elizabeth, 128. 

Sally, 290. 
Dougherty, James, 245. 
Douglas, Hon. Capt., 49, 162. 
Douglas, | , 
Douglass, f^^a, 37, 75,202,257. 

Benajah P., 121. 
Caleb, 359. 
David, 123. 
James, 164. 
Jonathan, 37, 164. 
John, 37, 49, 59, 75, 134, 202. 
Lucy. 37. 

Nathaniel, 11, 134, 164, 202. 
William, 257. 
DowNiE, George, 291-2, 294. 



Dual (Deual), q.v. 
Dudley, Martin, 178. 
Duke of Kent, 62. 
Dumontel, Jean, 368. 
Duncan, Silas, 151. 
Dunning. Esther, 388. 

Lovel, 286. 
Durand, Calvin, 152. 

Francis Joseph, 152. 

Joseph, 152. 

Marinus F., 63, 167. 
Durham, John, 361. 
Durkee, Adan, 339. 

Andrew, 339. 

Sheldon, 157, 339-40, 384, 423. 

Timothy, 339, 423. 

W. H., 371. 
Dutch, 147, 211, 279, 287, 355, 399. 
Dyer, Jeremy H., 64. 

Earl, Benjamin, 432. 

Hannah, 58, 432. 
Easton, Colonel, 119. 
Edgerton. Alfred P., 295. 

Bela, 85, 136, 200, 295, 315, 370, 
381. 

Elisha, 315. 

Joseph K., 295. 

Lycurgus, 295. 

Phebe, 295, 385. 
Edward. Prince of Wales, 61, 174. 
Edwards, C. G. S., 428. 

Gustavus. v., 106, 310, 429. 

Joseph W., 429. 

J- Q.. 349- 

Margaret E. (Mrs. C. E. M.), 76, 

ISO- 
Thomas, 240. 
Eels, Sarah, 323, 339. 

Waterman, Sr., 257, 339. 

Waterman, Jr., 83. 
Eldred, Alida, 99. 

Hannah, 291, 338. 

Warren. 99. 
Elkins. S. D.. 126. 
Ellis, Loring, 194. 
Ellsworth, John, 416. 
Elmore, Colonel, 132. 

Lott, 35. 418, 419 
Ely, Nathaniel, 408. 
Emerson. George H., 410. 

Joseph R., 44, no, 410. 

Thomas, 44. 
Emery, Samuel, 178, 285, 406. 
Ends, Roger, 140. 



4S6 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Episcopal Church, 8, 13, 39, 136, 

201, 233, 254, 284-5, 301. 306, 

317-319. 321. 358-9. 387. 413. 

415, 416, 428, 431, 433-4- 
Everest, Aaron S., 317, 362, 433. 

Asa E., 432. 

Benjamin, 248. 

Calvin, 263, 339. 

Ethan, 152. 

Joseph, 248, 323, 339, 404, 432. 

Josiah, 276, 323, 362, 426. 

Luther, 339. 

Zadock, 248, 252, 337. 
EvERiTT, Edward, 98. 

Facto, Peggy, 78-9. 
Fairchild, Benj. S., 24. 

Elizabeth, 24. 
Fairman, James, 70. 
Farnsworth, John, 263. 
Farquarson, D. L. W., 201. 
Farragut, David, 46, 150, 330. 
Farrell, 87 

Farrington, Lieutenant, 242. 
Farsworth, Captain, 287. 
Fay, Hezekiah, 359. 

John, 257. 

Jonas, 132, 312. 

Samuel, 19. 
Federalists, 48, 411. 
Fellows, George, 384. 
Felt, B. F., 97. 

Ann E., 97. 
Fenwick, Colonel, 239. 
Ferris, Benjamin, 248. 

Deacon, 29. 

Hiram, 150. 

Jacob, 36, 94-5. 216, 239. 

Mary, 125. 

Peter, 363-4. 

William, 118. 
Fessie, John, 231. 
Fifield, Colonel, 406. 
Fillmore, Millard, 381. 

Septa, 368, 381. 
Finch, Isaac, 98. 
Fish, EHzabeth, 388. 
Fisher, Josiah, 409. 
FiSK, Josiah, 266-8, 296. 

Eleanor, ^^, 301. 

Ichabod, 33, 301. 

Nelson W., 285-6. 

Samuel, 33, 291. 
FiSKE (Claudius, Eben, Ira, Solo- 
mon), 361. 



Fitch, George W., 413. 

Ichabod, 96. 

Jabez, 286. 
Flagg, Azariah, 67, 151. 
Fletcher, Mary L., 40, 219. 

Mary M., 31, 40, 219. 
Flint, Jonathan, 77. 
Floyd, William, 266. 
Folger, John, 350. 
Foley, James D., 424. 
Fontfleyd, John, 98, 243. 
Foot, Mary, M. 76. 
Forbes, Colonel, 326. 
Forrence, Miss, 231. 
Forrilles, Sieur, 32. 
Forsyth, Doctor, 26. 

Major, 64, 90, 174, 188-9. 
Fort, Governor, 432. 
Foster, John, 16. 
Fountain, Joseph, 418. 
Fouquet, Amherst D., 50. 

Hannah, 50. 

Douglas, 50. 

John L., 27, 49, 167, 243. 

Merrit L., 50. 
Fowler, Captain, 278. 

Theodosius, 96. 
Franklin, Benjamin, 114, 133, 173, 
402. 

Molly, 173, 395, 426. 
Eraser, General, 175. 
Frazier, General, 173, 175, 179, 183, 
189, 190, 193, 226, 249, 250. 

Lieutenant, 77. 
Frawley, James J., 424. 
Fredenburgh, Charles de, 18, 35, 

59, 177, 252, 262, 278, 289, 430. 
Freligh, Elizabeth S., 124. 

JohnG., 8, 38, 107, 179, 310, 322, 
417. 

Margaret, A., 8, 38. 
French, 44, 77, 86, 107, 178, 241, 
279, 287, 350. 

Abigail, 109, 165, 196, 218, 401, 

Deacon, 218, 368, 401. 

Freedom, 218, 357, 391. 

Martha, 218, 391, 401. 

Mary, 218, 368. 

Thomas, 218, 319. 
Friends, Society of, 87, 102-3, 208, 

235-6, 279, 280, 350, 356-7, 366, 

369, 370, 382-3, 387-8. 
Friot, Alex., 291. 
Friswell, John, 57, 160. 
Fry, Colonel James, 171. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



457 



Fuller, Elsie, 295. 

Henry C, 31. 

Ignatius, 295. 

Josiah, 234. 

W. A., 352. 
Fulton, Robert, 402. 

Galusha, Jonas, 320. 
Gamble, Joseph, 40, 68, 248. 

Lieutenant, 294, 299. 

Mrs., 341. 
Gardner, Jacob, 77. 

Jothani, 77. 
Garrett, Leroy M., 388. 
Gates, General, 22, 86, 198, 260, 

308, 354. 
Geer, Mrs. Walter, 431. 
George, the Third, 62. 
Gibbons, Cardinal, 201. 
GiBBs, 247. 

Gilbert, Mrs. D. K., 10. 
Gilchrist, Robert, 96. 
Gilliland, Charity, 186. 

Elizabeth, 129, 186, 297. 

Emily T., 229-230. 

James, 186. 

Jane, 131, 133-4. 

Jane u., 308. 

Mrs. Jane, 93, 186. 

William, 7, 9, 11, 14, 19, 22, 

24. 31. 33' 36, 40, 42, 49-50. 
52-61, 63-72, 74-5, 77-9, 
81-8, 90, 93-5, 98, 100, 107-8, 
112— 116, 118, 123, 127, 130-1, 
133-6, 149, 160-6, 168, 170-9, 
185-7, 227-8, 230-3, 235-7, 
240, 263, 273-4, 278, 280, 
285-6, 289, 299, 306, 326-8, 
331. 357. 395-6. 397, 407, 409, 
410, 418, 427. 
William Jr., 145, 167, 248. 
Gilliland's Colonists, 7, 36, 47, 50, 
52, 60-1, 69-71, 77-9, 81-4, 87, 
93, 107, 112, 118, 127, 130-1, 
136, 143-4, 153. rSS, 165, 171-2, 
176—8, 185—7, 205, 214, 224, 230, 
290, 296-8, 304-5. 320, 324, 
333-4. 33^- 346, 350, 355, 365, 
369. 375. 382-3, 385, 388, 391-2, 
398, 400-1, 405, 425, 434-5- 
Gilman, Benjamin, 136, 323. 
Henry J., 420. 
Rufus. A., 316. 
GiLMORE, P. S., 149. 
Glasier, Colonel, 61. 



Gleig, R. G., 179. 
Glennie, Mr. 341. 
Glover, General, 259. 
Gold, Levi, 276. 
Goodsell, Bishop, 390. 
Goodspeed, Daniel, 359. 

Gardner, 359. 
Goodrich, Chauncey, 46. 

Silas, 27, 325. 
Gordon, Alexander, 25, 324, 354. 

Benjamin, 325. 

General, 168. 

Ira, 325. 

Lewis, 325, 361. 

Seth, 325. 

Thomas, 325. 

Willard, 324-5. 
Gosford, Lord, 178. 

GOSSELIN, / T ■ r 
G0SSELINE,fL°'"^'69. 291. 

Graham, Zeoha Piatt, 179-180,^182- 

3. 185. ^ 
Grant, Capt., 164. 

Fred, 247. 

Jesse, 247. 

John M., 144. 

John R., 420. 

Lieutenant, 336. 

President, 247-8, 295. 
Graves, Benjamin, 63, 83, 94, 100. 

Eleazer, 385. 

Ezra, 398. 

Jeremiah, 157, 182. 

Mark, 366. 

Nathan, 128. 

Roswell, 128. 

Samuel, 385. 

Seth, 171. 
Green, Anna, 118, 208. 

Barlow, 378. 

Caleb, 177. 

Deborah, 328. 

Henry, 177. 

Israel, 26, 118, 231-3, 260, 393, 
402. 

James, 177. 

John, 177. 

Joseph I., 377, 385. 

Piatt 'R., 118 

Rodman, 177. 

Thomas, 82, 269. 
Greenleaf, James E., 149. 
Green Mountain Boys, 131, 200, 
' 223-4, 259, 342, 386, 430. 



458 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Green Mountain Chapter, D. A. 

R., ii8, 316. 
Grey Nuns, 415. 

Grielle, [Marianne a., 166, 170, 
Grellier, ) 425. 
Griffin, Delia A., 124, 180. 

Jonathan, 65, 113, 123, 136, 
180, 288, 421. 

Margaret H., 288. 
Griffith, Jonathan, 366, 383. 

Seth, 103, 366. 
Griswold, Bishop (P. E.), 358. 

WilHam A., 38, 300. 
Gross, Charlotte C, 409. 

Einily P., 409. 

Ezra C, 408-9. 

Juliet, 409. 

Thomas, 408. 
GuiBORD, A., 349. 
Gunn, C, 371. 

Hackstaff, John L., 11, 410. 
Hadden, Lieutenant, 175-6, 178, 

183-5, 188-190, 193-4, 250. 
Hagar, James A., 371. 

Jonathan, 428. 

Sarah, C, 28, 189. 
Haight, Cornelius, 187. 
Haile, John J., 106. 

William F., 284, 295, 307, 316, 

347. 365- 
Haldiman, General, 108, 126. 
Hale, Henry, 12. 
Hall, Bishop, 210. 

Elihu, 361. 

Frances D. L., 76. 

Francis B., 414. 

Ira, 361. 

John P., 124. 

Monroe, 277, 409. 

Nathaniel, 361. 

Phebe, 409. 
Halleck, Henry W., 330. 
Hallock, Anna, 208, 389. 

Peter, 208. 
Halseys, 141. - 
Halsey, Caroline, 319. 

Charles F., 380-1. 

Cornelius, 49, 294. 

Frederick, 18, 23, 31, 34, 43, 
85, 114, 130, 147, 182, 246, 

319. 375- 379. 382. 
Letitia M., 379. 
William F., 284-5. 
Zopher, 317. 



Halstead, Piatt R.. 22, 63, 119, 121, 

295- 
Hamilton, Eliza, 186. 
Hammond, Charles F., 154, 260. 

Gideon, 63. 

John, 122, 154, 260. 
Hampton, Wade, 214, 238, 369, 398, 

399- 
Hancock, Major, 89. 
Hand, Augustus C, 43. 

Richard L., 405. 
Handle Y, Nicholas, 325. 
Hand's Cove Chapter, D. A. R., 

258. 
Hard, Anson, 233. 
Harney, Luke, 380. 
Harper, Robert, 278, 306. 
Harrington, William C, 174. 
Harrison, Caroline Scott, 352. 

President, 352. 
Hart, Mr., 398. 
Hartwell, George W., 420. 

W. W., 277, 428. 
Hartwick, John B., 216. 
Harwood, Benjamin, 19. 

Peter, 19. 
Hascall, Helen, 8. 

Mary (Sterne), 8. 

Ralph, S. 
Haskell, Asa, 143. 

Daniel, 71, 104, iii. 
Hatch, Charles, 69, 379. 

Charles B., 69. 
Haughran, John, 417. 
Haviland, Colonel, 176, 257, 267- 

9. 287. 
Hawkins, Colonel, 301. 
Hay, Anna Maria, 248. 

Mary, 35, 418. 

William, 35, 61, 160, 177, 418. 
Hayes, Ahaz, 190. 

Minnie E., 308. 

Reuben, 295. 
Haynes, Maria, 384-5, 432. 

" Sir George," 432. 

Tom., 432. 
Hazen, Abigail, 93. 

General Moses, 79, 250, 264, 
291. 
Hazlet, D. E., 273. 
Hebencourt, 227. 
Hedding, Bishop, 255. 

Laura, 255. 

William, 255. 
Hegeman, Catherine, 318, 459. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



459 



Hendee, Mrs., 340. 

Henderson, Ira., 63, 69. 

Hendricks, 287. 

Henry, George, 130-1, 227, 235-6. 

John, 48. 
Herrick, Capt. (H. M. N.), 162. 

Doctor, 242, 310. 

General, 86, 351. 

J. R., 19- 

Samuel, 128-9, ^5^y 354- 
Hewitt, Henry G., 368. 

Jeptha, 263, 368. 

Nathan, 306. 

Nathaniel, 68, 107, 202. 

Rensselaer S., 426. 
Heyde, Charles L. , 306. 
Heyers, Mr., 74. 
Heyworths, 410. 
Heyworth, George, 410. 
" Hick," 257. 
HicKOK, Mrs. H. P., 60. 
Hicks, George, 60, 66-7, 71, 74, 296, 
333-4- 

Harriet, 102. 

Mrs. G., 67, 

Samuel, 63, 107, 189, 232. 
HiGBY, James S., 347. 
Highlanders, 201, 221, 324. 
Hill, Abiah, 214. 

Caleb, 255, 258, 360-1, 377. 

Henry W., 212-213, 424. 

Ira, 255, 258, 298-9. 
Hill's Company, 361. 
Hilliker, John, 340. 
Hilliard, Minard, 361. 
HiNMAN, Colonel, 188. 
Hinton, Richard I, 273. 
Hitchcock, D. C, 286. 
Hoag, Daniel, 369, 383. 

Eliiah, 387^ 

F- 371- 

Joseph, 339, 387. 

Lavinia C, 383. 

Mosher, 383. 

Phebe, 387. 

Seth, 383. 
HoBART, Bishop, 280. 

Daniel, 150, 355. 

Nehemiah, 150. 
HocQUART, Giles, 99, iii, 326, 400. 
Hodgkins, Margaret, 374. 
Hogarty, J. W., 326. 
HoGLE, John, 340. 
HoLCOMB, Amos, 361. 

Carmi, :!6i. 



HoLCOMB, Ephraim, 361. 

Horace, 63. 

Jesse, 361. 

S. Wright, 347, 349. 
Holden, Daniel, 138. 
Holmes, John, 405. 

Robert, 405. 

Thomas, 405-6. 
Holt, Jacob H., 311. 

— 24. 
Home Guards (of Plattsburgh), 345, 

351-2. 
Hommedieu, Ezra L, loi, 266. 
Hooker, General, 167. 

Martin, 415. 

Phineas, 415. 
Hopkins, John H., 165, 229, 356, 

358-9, 387, 415. 417. 433-4- 
HosKiNS, Daniel, 88. 
Houghton, William H., 409. 
Howard, Daniel Dyer, 58. 

Hannah (Earl), 58, 432. 

John, 57, 58, 281-3, 432- 

John Purple, 58. 

O. O., 354. 

Sion Earl, 58. 
Howe, Harmon, 27. 

John, 391. 

Julia, 309. 

Lord, 151, 204-8, 228, 321. 

Martha, 391. 

S. N., 347- 
HoxiE, Gideon, 49. 
Hubbard, Ezekiel, 116, 318, 398. 

HUBBELL, Julius C, 35, 72, 78, 102, 

286, 368-9. 

Silas, 78, 180, 286, 337. 
Huff, William, 141. 
Hughes, Bishop, 313. 

General, 65. 

Governor, 60, 201, 203, 207, 
209, 212, 254, 286. 

Mary (Bailey), 65. 
Hull, Damaris, 426. 

Ruth, 356, 426. 
Hulme, Wm. 50, 59. 
Humane Society, 10, 216, 414. 
Hunt, Harriet, 97, 357. 
Hunter, Edward, 22. 
Hunsden, John, 63. 
HUNTON, Mary, 51. 
Hurd, Hester, 430. 
Hurons, 225, 315. 
HussEY, Ann, 125. 
Hutchins, Hannah, loi. 

John, 87. 



460 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



HuTCHiNS, Nathan, 346. 

Sarah, 10 1. 
Hyde, Apphia, 353.; 

Azariah, 286. 

Jedediah, 25, 369. 

Indians, 14, 23, 38, 76, 80, 86, 93, 
103, 163, 165, 178, 181, 184-5, 
188-91, 196, 211, 216, 225-7, 
230, 250, 254, 263, 264-6, 280, 
287, 296, 301, 305, 318, 323, 
327, 340, 345, 354-5. 370, 391. 
400. 

Ingraham, Amos, 144. 

" Ireland," 9, 166, 186, 435. 

Irish, WilUam, 49. 

Iroquois, 38, 80, 172, 211, 226, 
235. 376. 

ISHAM, H. L., 349. 

Izard, George, 36, 132, 263, 266, 
274. 

Jackson, A. H. W. 

Andrew, 351. 

Daniel Sr., 177, 279, 410. 

Daniel Jr., 177, 278-9. 

Samuel, 431. 

" Stonewall," 167. 
"Jane," 257. 

Jefferson, President, 43, 402. 
Jenner, Samuel, 96. 
Jewett, Elizabeth, 162. 

Horace L., 123. 
Jewish Congregation, 96-7. 
JoGUES, Isaac, 163, 178, 315, 340, 

342. 
Johnson, Captain, 61. 

Henry S., 148. 

Moses, 88. 

President, 81. 

Samuel, W., 60. 

Sir William, 9, 109, 255, 279, 
287, 394- 
Jones, Cornelia H., 305. 

David, 233. 

Gardner, 305. 

Honorable W., 294. 

Reuben, (Dr.), 26. 

Reuben, 312. 

William, 227, 235-6. 
JouRDAMAis, Isaac, 418. 
Jusserand, Ambassador, 204, 208, 

210. 

Kalm, Peter, 196, 224. 



Kane, Edward, 25, 316, 370, 421. 
Kearney, General, 167. 
Keese, Anna, 426. 

John, 208, 308. 

Oliver, 409. 

Richard, 208, 266, 389, 426. 

Samuel, 87, 356, 361. 

Sarah, 308. 

Stephen, 356, 426. 

William, 161, 356. 
Kelley, William, 97. 
Kelly, John, 266. 

John Bailey, 201, 322, 376. 

John E., 152. 

Joseph, T., 376. 
Kellogg, Benjamin, 252, 308, 404. 

Charles W., 433. 

D. S., 44, 245, 309. 

Elias, 327. 

Gertrude, 433. 

Isaac, 308. 

Martin, 371. 

Orlando, 31, 405. 

Peter C, 433. 
Kent, Elisha, 434. 

Hannah, 155, 219, 254, 332, 
412. 

James, 81, 89, 231, 245. 252, 
254, 402. 

Moss, 79, 155-6. 254 270. 
Ketchum, Benjamin, 190, 374. 

Joseph, 89, 100, 104, 124, 173, 
189, 198, 364. 

Phoebe, 85, 89, 104, 173, 198, 

364- 
Keyes, Sarah, 418. 
KiLLAM, Rachel, 303. 
King, Abigail, 350. 

David, 128. 

John. 296, 333. 
Kingsbury, Lieutenant, 145. 
KiNGSLEY, Abisha, 19. 

John, 63. 
KiNNE, Sarah, 170, 416. 
Kinney, Ezra. 369. 
Kinsley, Ruth, 127. 

Stephen, 71, loi. 
Kirtland, Henrietta J., 99. 

John, 372. 

Marie D., 372. 
Kline, Jacob, 104. 
Klock, J., 349- 
Knapp, Ezra, 361. 

'H. W., 209, 424. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



461 



Knight, Dame, 394. 

John, Sr., 320, 394. 

John (Capt.), 320. 
Knott, Samuel, 315. 
Knowles, EUzabeth, 350. 
Knox, Henry, 394. 
Kyle, Osceola, 390. 

La Corne, St. Luc de, 14, 28. 

Ladd, Henry, 337 

Lafave, F., 349 

LaFayette, General, 9, 49, 192, 243. 

372, 402, 427. 
La Force, Damien, 418. 
LaFountain, Peter, 347. 
La Frambois, John, 236, 250, 291, 

360. 
Lake Champlain Association, 60. 
Lake Champlain Pulp and Paper 

Co., so, 234. 
Lake Champlain Steamboat Co., 

72, 169. 
Lalement, The Jesuit, 428. 
Lamereau, Pauline, 256. 
Landon, Rachel, 198, 328. 
Lane, Derrick, 415. 

Matthew, 415. 
Langdon, J., 370. 
Lansing, Abram W., 138, 139. 

Hannah, 76. 

Wendell, 138-9. 
Lapham, Eliza, 426. 

Joseph, 426. 
Larabee, Alexander, 84. 
Larrabee, John S., 395. 
La Reine Regiment, 227, 395. 
Larkin, Elam, 351. 

Eleazer, J., 343. 

John, 70. 

Lorin, N., 70, 78, 157, 351. 
La Rocque, J. H., 10. 
Lasambert, Antoine, 231. 
Latourneau, Joseph, 231. 
Lavan, Antoine, 231. 
Lawrence, 89, 93. 

Jonathan, 41, 266, 434. 

Putnam, 115. 

William, 242, 346. 
Lawson, William, 304. 
Leaky, Captain, 274. 
Lee, John A., 348. 
Leeke, Abigail, 358, 398. 

David, 358. 

Phoebe, 358. 



Leflin, James, 358. 

Rebecca, 358. 
Le Jeune, Paul, 17, 428. 
Lemieux, Postmaster-General, 209. 
Leroy, Dupont, 207-8. 

Pierre, 218. 
L'Estage, M. de, 215, 400, 422. 
Levy, Mrs. William, 10. 
Lewis, Miner, 282. 

Morgan, 96. 
L'Hommedieu, Ezra, loi, 266. 
Lincoln, President, 81, 109, 138. 
Littlefield, Aaron, 357. 
Livingston, A. C. H., 140, 405. 

Gilbert, 231. 

Helen, 193. 

Henry, 193. 

Isaac, 183, 323. 

John, 119. 

Judith, 182-3, 323. 

Robert R., 370. 

Robert W., 35, 140. 
LoBiAC, Sr., 32. 
Lobdell, Caleb, 401. 

Darius, 265, 372, 396, 401. 

Henry, 372. 

Jared, 265. 

John, 413. 

Joshua, 401. 
Logan, James, 38, 52, 78, 81, 83, 87. 
Lomax, Major, 52. 
LoNEYS, 356. 
LoNGUEiL, Chevalier, 76. 
LooMis, Anna, 31. 

Jarius, 162, 165. 

Phineas, 62. 
LoRiNG, Captain, 259, ^^^, 336. 
LoTBiNiERE, Chartier de, 99. 
Louis XVI, 112, 272. 
Louis XVII, 56. 
Louis Phillip, 235. 
Low, John, 379. 

John Hatch, 379. 
Seth, 203. 

Wilson, 379. 
Lowell, Samuel, 284. 
Loyalists, 57, 68, 84, 232-3, 352. 
LucKEY, William, 39, 60, 66, 67, 144, 
165, 172, 185, 334, 365, 385, 391, 
395. 401. 

LUSIGNAN, M., 196, 224, 395. 

Luther, Caleb, 64. 
LuYKASSE, Gerrard, 211. 
Lyman, General, 274, 287. 
Lynde, Elizabeth, 395. 



462 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Lynde, Frances, 286. 

John, 113, 116, 164, 173, 285, 
306, 409. 

Johnathan, 172, 394, 395. 
Lyon, Asa, 367. 

Asahel, 121. 

Dan, 78, 283. 

General Nathaniel, 167. 

Hattie, 248. 

Nathaniel, 167, 248. 

Mabie, Hamilton W., 207. 
MacDonough, Thomas, 22, 41, 98, 

105, 153, 155, 157, 167, 191, 228, 

238, 244-5, 258, 268, 288, 291-2, 

294, 297, 301, 307, 309-11, 374, 

411, 422, 436. 
Macintosh, John \., 376. 
Mack, Aaron B., 69. 
MacLane, Robert (McLane q. v.) 
Macomb, Alexander, 17. 

Alexander, Jr., 12, 64, 90, 91, 
106, 132, 151-2, 239, 266, 288, 
306, 309, 311. 
Macomber, Grace P., 129. 

Joseph T., 382. 

Silas, 102. 

Wesson, 369. 
MacGlassin, Captain, 289, 290. 
Magruder, General, 167. 
Maissonneuve, 128, 141. 
Malley, Miss, 268. 
Malony, Richard J., 154. 
Man, Albon, 26, 81, 115, 325. 

Ebenezer, 81. 

Susan M., 8r. 
Manly, Colonel, 295. 
Mann, Isaac, 65. 
Manning, William, 349. 
Manse, Mdlle., 141. 
Mansfield, Amos, 49. 
Marguerite, 8aon'got (Eunice Wil- 
liams q. V.) 
Marin, 217. 
Markham, H. H., 381. 
Marsh, Catherine K., 13, 130, 318. 

Charles, 13, 68, 391. 

George, 13, 68, 94, 113, 130, 
285, 400, 408. 

Julia A., 408. 
Marshall, Paul, 302. 
Martin, John, 87. 
Marvin, John N., 431. 
Mason, Aaron, 180, 374, 

Lillis, 180, 374. 



Matthews, Captain, 195. 
Mattocks, John, 26. 

Maria C, 37. 
Mattoon, John, 130. 
Maximin, Sr., 32. 
Mayhew, Governor, 32. 
McAuley, John, 78-9, 81, 83, 130 
205, 392. 

Robert, 50, 52, 78-9, 81, 83, 107, 
130, 185, 205, 3S3' 365. 382. 
McCadden, Frank, 349. 

John, 371. 
McCaffrey, W. J., 10. 
McClosky, Archbishop, 125. 
McCracken, Mr., 71. 
McCrea, Jane, 332-3. 
McCreedy, Charles, 266. 

J., 26. 
McCullogh, Hugh, 81. 
McDermott, Michael, 384. 
McElrea, John, 7, 178. 
McFardin, Rachel, 186. 
McGregor, Duncan, 139. 
M'Intosh, Donald, 350. 
McKay, Mr., 65. 
McKeever, Bernard, 154, 277. 
McKesson, John, 278. 
McKiNLEY, President, 236, 285, 298, 
McKinney, Norris, 69. 
McKowN, 307. 
McLane, Robert, 130, 171, 333, 365, 

401, 405. 
McLaughlin, Arch'd, 144. 
McLellan, Samuel, 120. 
McMaster, D. F., 277. 
McNeil, Charles, 347. 

David B., 47, 128, 190, 252, 292, 

295. 397- 

John, 188, 397. 
McPherson, 291. 
Mead, Smith, 8, 157. 
Megaphy, Joseph, 423. 
Megapolensis, Dominie, 315. 
Meigs, 247. 
Melson, George, 130. 
Menomines, 217. 
Merial, Father, 218, 422. 
Merrill, Arthur, loi. 
Methodist Church, 38, 54, 126, 145, 

233. 251. 265, 272, 277, 303, 346, 

384-5. 403, 424- 
Michel, M., 99. 
Military Exempts, 36, 197. 
Miller, Abigail, 316. 

Burnet, 155, 157, 219, 266, 407. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



463 



Miller, Dr. Matthias Burnet, n^s- 

E. C, 347. 

Eleazer, 123, 147, 306, 319-320. 

Eliza H., 7, 42, 142-3. 

Fanny, 186. 

George, 141. 

John, 7, 25, 42, 51, 67, 74-5, 91, 
107, 142, 155, 218, 239, 290, 
306, 325. 

John Jay, 316. 

Levi P. 

Lucretia, 156, 318. 

Morris S. , 199. 

Nathan. 

Patience, 384. 

Phebe, 11. 

PHny, 316. 

Sylvanus S., 186. 

Thomas, 21, 25, 70, 107, 156, 
182, 295, 360, 407, 419. 

Thomas, Jr., 315, 325. 

Van Buren, 316. 
Mills, Harriet M., 405. 

John, 191. 
MiNKLEY, Barnabas, 398. 
Mitchell, Margaret, 290. 

Sally, 290. 

William, 266. 
Mix, Colonel, 299. 
Mix, Mrs. James, 358. 

Stephen, 318. 
MoFFiT, Stephen, 114. 
Mohawks, 37, 47, 80, 89, 93, 163, 

165, 178, 209, 211, 215, 226, 233, 

263, 279, 315, 318. 
MoNASH, Solomon, 276, 433. 
MoNCK, Lord, 414. 
Monroe, Colonel, 241. 

President, 231-4. 

MONTAGNAIS, I 7. 

Montcalm, Marquis de, 209, 217, 
230, 241, 267. 

Montgomery, Richard, 10, 121, 210, 
213. 257. 304, 342, 348, 362, 378, 
397, 402, 436. 

Montville, J., 349. 

Monty, Francis, 231, 250, 291, 397-8, 

Mooers, Benjamin, 8, 9, 13, 29, 31, 
51, 53, 59, 66, 69, 78-9, 82, 
85, 93-4, 96, 98, 107, no, 113, 
114, 134, 149-50. 152, 157. 
200, 214, 223, 225, 231, 236, 
238, 250, 253, 275, 281, 288, 
292, 309, 343, 360, 370, 396, 
419, 420, 423. 



Mooers, Benj. Hazen, 48, 51, 91, 
103, 229, 423. 

Benj. John, 9, 24, 25, 26, 27, 85, 
91, loi, 116, 134, 146, 155, 
157, 182, 275, 307, 376, 435- 

Charles S., 294, 423. 

Hazen, 151. 

John, 9, 85, 146. 

John Henry, 307. 

Moses Hazen, 59. 

Richard S., 182. 

William Piatt, 9, 210. 
Moore, Allen R., 104, 337, 375. 

Amasa C, 29, 66, 10 6, "2 95. 

Andrew, 316, 375. 

Ann, 35, 102, 296. 

Benjamin, 27, 325, 376. 

Charles Halsey, 342. 

Charlotte (Mooers), 29 66. 

D. T., 286. 

Edwin G., 347, 371, 417. 

George, 316, 370, 374-5- 

Hugh, 242. 

John W., 150. 

Lucretia M., 21. 

Margaret, no. 

Matilda, 102. 

Noadiah, 31, 37, 104, 286. 

P. D., 428. ; 

Phoebe, 104, 198. 

Pliny, II, 21, 29, 31, 35, 52, 67, 
69, 96, 102, 107, 184, 261-2, 
296. 

Royal, 262. 

Samuel, 65, 79, 123, 128, 136, 

^ 306, 375. 

Sir Henry, 273, 278, 306, 366. 

Sophia, 102, 296. 

William, 129. 
Morell, George, 10 1. 
Morgan, Jonas Sr., 120, 170, 322, 
412, 413. 

Jonas Jr , 322, 413. 

William H., 322, 412-13. 
Morrill, Giles, 371. 
Morris, Bishop, 139. 

Robert, 98. 
Morrison, Elinus J., 347-8. 
Morton, George, 60. 

Richard, 385. 
Samuel, 385. 
Mosher, Warren E., 254. 
Moss, A., 420. 
Mott, Ebenezer, 64, 266. 



464 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



MoTT, Edward, 116, 118, 120, 170, 
412, 436. 

Margaret, 236. 

Samuel, J., 242. 

Sarah, 120, 170, 322, 412. 

Valentine, 146, 236. 
MuLLER, Casper Otto, 165. 

Melusina, 356. 
MuNROE, John, 82. 

Col., 167, 238-241, 252, 418. 
Murray, Ellen, no. 

General, 176, 248, 269, 285, 
287, 321. 

John R., no. 

W. H. H., 14, 15, 77- 
Myers, John H., 39, 372, 417. 

Joseph, 349, 371- 

J- K-, 399- 

Lawrence, 399. 

Letitia (Halsey), 379. 

Margaret P., 76, 270. 

William, 371. 
Myrick, Barnabas, 69. 

Nadeau, Fred, 289. 

Napoleon, 165. 
Nathan Beman Society, C. A. R., 

86, 147, 157. 
National Guards, 120, 201. 
Neill, Rev. Mr., 11. 
Nelson, Bishop, 201. 

Horace, 128. 

Wolfred, 127, 368, 390, 391. 
Nesbit, General, 176. 
Newcomb, Cyrenius, 35, 95, 216, 
^259. 

Kinner, 35, 42, 95, 107, 216, 
259, 360. 

Piatt, 42, 135, 263, 360, 411. 

Ruth, 411. 

Samuel, 411. 

Simeon, 27, 35, 266. 

Zaccheus, 34, 41, 179, 265. 
Newton, Benj. Ball, 11, 18, 25. 

Daniel, 327. 

Liberty, 128. 

Marshall, 128. 
Nichols, Caleb, 107, 115, 225, 364, 
370. 414. 

Elric L., 420. 

Geo. F., 394. 

John, 157, 317, 394- 

Julia Lynde, 394. 

Levi, 306, 317. 

Nathan, 177. 



Nims, John, 327. 
Niverville, Chevalier de, 38. 
Noble, Ransom, 182. 

Rosannah, 402. 

Stephen, 402. 
NoRCROss, Samuel, 423. 
North, Abijah, 103. 

Mrs. Clayton N., 213. 

Lemuel, 103. 
Northup, Nathaniel, 266. 
Norton, Charlotte, M.,^j76. 
NOYON, Jacques de, 332. 

Jean Baptiste, 332. 
Nutting, Elizabeth, 232. 

Vespasian, 415. 

Oaks, John, 320. 
Ogden, William M., 433. 
Ogdensburgh, Bishop of (Wadhams 

q.v.) 
Oldest Clergyman, 403. 
Olds, Horace, 63. 
Oliver, Aaron, 385, 415. 

James, 385. 

John, 385. 

Robert, 385. 

Thomas, 385. 

William, 385. 
Onderdonk, Bishop H. U., 358. 
Oneidas. 80, 217, 272, 280. 
Ord, E. O. C, 330. 
Ormsby, Gideon, 174. 
Orvis, Welthy H., 76. 
Ostrander, Ida, 360. 

Richard N., 420. 
Otis, Margaret, 307, 357, 407. 
Ouseley, Lady (Marcia Van Ness,) 

417. 
Owen, Leonard, 49. 

Paine, Robert Treat, 370. 

Painter, Gamaliel, 362. 

Palmer, Franklin, 50, no, 304, 343. 

George W., 251, 294, 316. 

Helen, 395. 

John, 65, 113, 123, 174-S. 182, - 
239, 257, 285, 31^, 353, 398. J 

Margaret (Smith), 76. 

Marion (Stetson), 32, 76, 202-3, 
280-1, 283. 

Peter Sailly, 15, 175, 238,''266, 
285, 307. 

Uriah, 68, 83. 

William, 50. 

Zephaniah, 53, 88. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



465 



Papineau, Louis Joseph, 127, 390, 

391- 
Parkhurst, M. F., 349, 371. 
Parker, Elvira S. (Warner), 213. 
Francis, 25. 
Mrs., 243-4. 
Parkman, Francis, 225. 
Pangborn, Joseph, 363. 
Parrot, Adoniram, 157. 
Parsons, Darius, A., 180. 
David, 180, 358, 374. 
David R., 180, 374. 
Samuel Holden, 116, 117. 
Partridge, Eliphat, 407. 
Patchen, J. H., 26, 263. 
Patriotic Relief Association, 220. 
Patten, James, 152. 
Paulinte, Antoine, 291, 427. 
Peabody, Oliver D., 30. 

Richard, 298. 
Peale, Emma, 426. 

Rembrandt, 426. 
Pearl, Stephen, 174, 366, 386-7. 

Timothy, 369. 
Pease, Calvin, 72, 304. 
Peaslee, Zacheus, 174, 231, 2^0. 
Peck, T. S., 424. 

Theodora, 10. 
Pell, Howland, 424. 

Stephen, H. P., 267. 
William, 289. 
Peltrie, Mme., de la, 142. 
Pennell, George C., 39. 
Penniman, Jabez, 336. 
Pepin, Andre, 291. 
Perault, M., 362. 
Peristrome Church, 414. 
Perkins, Hannah, 379. 

Lieutenant, 46. 
Perley, W^illiam (Col.), 171. 
Perriere, de La, 204. 
Perry, Nathan, 358. 
" Pete." 14. 
Petit, Micajah, 96. 
Pettit, Jabez, 216. 
Pettingill, Amos, 80. 
Peyser, A., 276. 
Phagan, Elizabeth, 43. 
Phelps, Benajah, Jr. ,"84. 

Noah, 1 1 7-9. 
Phillips, General, 175, 190. 

Wendell, 403, 405. 
Phleming, David, 70. 
Pierre, de la, 119. 
Pierce, Colonel, 140. 



Pierce, E. W\, 349. 

John, 16. 

Lewis W., 29. 

Ransom M., 116. 
Pike, Colonel, 66. 

Ezra, 361. 

W'illiam C, 417. 
Pioneers, Dutch, 22, 355. 

English, 75, 134. 

French, 14, 82. 

German, 18, 73, 340-41, 355. 

Irish, 7, 14, 385. 
Pitcher, Elizabeth, 129. 
Plaisted, James, 215. 
Platt, Charles, 22, 31-2, 37, 40, 67, 
72, 85, 90, 94, 98, 107, 133, 

147. 155, 157. 173. 179. 183. 

216, 266, 355, 372, 425, 434. 
Charles T., 88, 159, 182, 288, 

414. 
Charles Z., 35, 147, 171. 
Daniel, 1 12, 157. 
Hannah, 1 14, 423. 
Helen (Livingston), loi. 
Isaac, C, 20-23, 25, 107, 145, 

147, 223, 237-8, 246, 418. 
John F., 59. 
Jonas, 55, 56, loi, 143, 193, 

393. 399- 
Julia (Sailly q.v.) 
Letitia, 31, 147, 319. 
Levi, 7, 42, 65, 91, 109, 123-4, 

130. M3. 157. 182, 239, 

420-21. 
Margaret F., 76. 
Margaret, 20, 147, 218. 
Moss K., 8, 35, 58, 63, 79, is6, 

247. 253, 277, 368, 404. 
Nathaniel, 41, 46, 75, 78, 81, 

90, 104, 106, 114, 133, 139, 

157. 179. 266, 373, 423, 427, 

434. 
Nathaniel Z., 147, 417-8. 
Phebe, 78, 104, 318. 
Richard, 210. 

Robert, 38, 54, 56, 140, 161, 198. 
Samuel Keyes, 418. 
Theodorus, 83, 170, 182, 408, 

421. 
William Mooers, 120, 147. 
William Pitt, 9, 68, 81, 94, loi, 

107, 112, 116, 119, 198, 219' 
r, ^53-4, 318, 332. 
Zephaniah Sr., 152. 



466 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Platt, Zephaniah (Judge), 14, 32, 35, 
37, 41, 61, 75, 79, 82-3, 95, 
109, 112, 117, 119, 133, 140, 
152, 157- 179. 193. 195. 231, 
245, 252, 254, 266, 297, 372, 
417, 427, 434- 

Zephaniah C, 21, 97, 100, 156, 
237-S, 428. 
Plattsburgh Academy, 12, 19, 113, 

129, 136, 164, 277, 281, 307, 

317, 323. 
Plattsburgh Institute, 44. 
Plattsburgh & Montreal R.R., 

106. 
Plattsburgh Normal School, 46, 

187. 
Plattsburgh Rifles, 231. 
Plessis, Joseph Octave, 401-2. 
Pomeroy, Abner, no, 318. 

John, 53. 
Pond, George E., 44. 
PoPR, Martin, 298. 

W., 371. 
Porter, General, 236, 247. 
Potter, Andrew, 247. 

Blanche, 431. 

Martha, 431- 
Powell, Horatio, 26. 

PheHx, 348. 
Powers, General, 284. 
Pratt, Rhoda, 43, 271. 
Premier, Captain, 305. 
Prentis, Jonathan, 401. 
Presbyterian Church, 9, 11, 24, 

26, 29, 31, 34, 36, 51, 61-3, 68, 

81, 107, 113, 116, 137, 140, 145. 

148, 150, 185-6, 199, 201-2, 

210, 225, 233, 241, 244, 253, 

264, 283, 286, 318, 321, 322, 

353. 373. 376, 391. 399. 415. 

429. 
Prescott, Alexander H., 241-2, 
262-3. 

General, 362, 378. 
Preston, Willard, 15. 
Prevost, Augustine, 12, 125. 

Sir George, 12, 125, 144, 275-6, 
280, 284, 289, 404. 
Price, Benjamin, 119. 

Mr., 71, 137. 
Prindle. Lucy (Bostwick,) 146. 
Pring, Daniel, 130-132, 135, 139, 

291, 298—9. 
Pringle, Thomas, 331, 334. 
Proctor, Redfield, 285. 



pROUTY, Governor, 207, 2 10, 212-213. 
Purdy, Azzel, 263. 
Putnam, Israel, 144, 195, 204, 217. 
Rufus, 195-6. 

Racy, James, 361. 
Rafferty, Father, 84. 
Raimbault, Pierre, 117. 
Ramsey, B. S.,io. 

Lieutenant, 326. 
Rand, Ephraim, 423. 
Randall, Lydia, 150. 
Randell, Hannah, 11. 

John, II. 
Rangers, 42, 61, 163, 204, 288, 351, 

370. 386. 
Ransom, F. A., 420. 

George, B., 122. 

Hannah, 265. 

Harry Sawyer, 122, 127. 

John, 43, 94-5. 154, 265, 271, 

373- 

John Louis (Lewis), 124, 136, 
265, 271, 310. 

Lodema, 43, 265. 

Luther, 27. 

Roswell, 67, 127. 

Russel, 265. 
Ray, William, 408. 
Raymond, Benjamin, 329. 

Henry J., 12. 
Reed, General, 47. 

Prof., 145. 

W. E., 371. 
Reid, 252. 

Major, 332. 
Rees, Captain, 52. 
Reeves, Simon R., 41, 265, 434. 
Refugees, 69, 74, 290-1, 352. 
Regents of the University, 69. 
Reid, Col., 306. 

Whitelaw, 273. 
Riedksel, Baroness, 191, 197. 

General, 175, 178, 190, 249. 
Re.mington, Frederick, 434. 
Reynold, George, 70. 
Reynolds, George B., 63, 69. 

Grinday, 369. 

Lucius, 98. 
Rice, Mark, 113. 

Mr., 71, 273. 

Seth, 1x6. 

RiCKETTS. 167. 

RiGAUD, Philip (Vaudreuil q. v.) 
151- 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



467 



R1L1.Y, J. B., 197, 26S, 286, 424. 
Rising, Asahel, 379. 

Eliza, 379. 
RiSHwoRTH, Mary, 215. 
Roberts, Benjamin, 8. 
Betsey, 428. 
Christopher, 8. 
Eleanor, 301. 
Hannah, 8, 428. 
John, Sr., 8, 198. 
John, Jr., 8, 310, 321, 42S. 
John, 3d, 85. 
Peter, 8, 32, 1=17, 266. 
William, 8. 
Robertson, Daniel, 119. 

General, 238, 284. 
Robinson, Aaron, 19. 
Benjamin, 312. 
Catherine, 87. 
Daniel, 312, 422. 
David, 19. 

Eleazer Williams, 291. 
General (Robertson q. v.) 
John, 312. 
Lewis S., 291, 338. 
Moses, 19. 

Rowland E., 137, 339. 
Rock, Anthony, 306. 
Rogers, James (aFriend,) 235. 
James, 428. 
John de, 195. 
Mary, 149. 
Melicent, 381. 
Piatt, 22, 40, 41, 179, 183, 199, 

218-220, 225, 266, 317, 434. 
Robert, 36, 61, 66, 76-7, 144, 
163-4, 166, 170, 187, 197, 199, 
204, 207, 209, 217, 303, 321, 
322, 342-3, 345, 397- 
T. S., 371. 
Zephaniah, 398. 
Roi, Jacques, 391. 
RoLLO, Lord, 269. 
Romans, 117, 119. 
Roosevelt, Theodore, 285. 
Root, Elijah, 13, 122. 

Senator, 209. 
Rose, Samuel, 396. 
Ross, Daniel, 129. 

Henry H., 129, 347. 
Theodorus, 96. 
Rottenburgh, General de, 284. 
Rouse, John, 259, 338. 
Royal Scots C'^th),' 201. 208, 324. 
RoYCE, Mrs. Nancy, 223. 



RuDD, Jacob, 346. 

RuGAR, Gideon, 98, 109, 125, 157, 

317- 
RuNK, George Vv'., 306. 
Russell, Lord John, 127. 

Samuel, 418. 
Rykard, Abram, 341. 

Joseph, 341. 

St. Albans Steamboat Co., 35, 366. 
St. CLAiR^Acthur, 47, 202. 
St. Denis, John, 79. 
St. Francis Indians, 321, 397. 
St. Martin, Alexis, 216, 328. 
St. Michell, Lewis, 418. 
St. Pierre, M. de, 14. 
Safford, Charlotte, 234. 
Hiram, 234, 281, 424. 
Samuel, 19. 
Sage, Thankful, 312, 422. 
Sailly, Bemadine, 82. 
Charles, 82. 
Charlotte, 167. 
Frederick, L. C, 87, 113, 167, 

284, 418, 425. 
Julia, 18, 82, 252. 
Peter, 18, 33, 43, 56, 63, 76, 82, 
98, 107, 112, 145, 147, 167, 
170. 173-5. 182, 239, 272, 310, 
312, 379, 398, 419. 
Samson, Daniel, 369. 
Sampson, Lester, 104. 
Sanborn, Frank B., ^49, 403. 
Fred E., 371. 
Henry C, 349, 371. 
John H., 370, 420. 
Reuben, jr., 122. 
Sanders, James, 14. 
Margaret, 14. 
President, 397. 
Sanford, Reuben, 82, 144-5. 
Saranac Chapter, D. A. R., 39, 48, 
56, 120, 157, 171, 177, 200-1, 
217, 220, 230, 241, 270, 295—6, 
300, 341-2, 351, 417. 
Saunders, George, 28. 

President (U. V. M.), 397. 
Savage, Anne, 163. 
David, 67. 

James, 134, 16^, 297, 417. 
Joel, 286^ 
Margaret O., 297. 
Rhoda, 416-7. 
Sawyer, Ephraim, 55. 



468 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Sawyer, H. B., 48, 55, 138, iS3. 162, 
165, 409. 

James, 55. 
Saxe, (Sachs), Edward, 99. 

Godfrey, 162. 

Hannah, 81. 

Jacob, 99, 228. 

John, 17, 31, 73, 81, 99, 341, 355 
384- 

John G., 17, 21, 73, 91-2, 106, 
148, 162, 166, 365, 366. 

Matthew, 76, 99, 240, 242. 

Peter, 99, 162. 

Wilham, 31. 
Saxton, Mr., 266. 

Frederick, 366. 
Say, Lord, t,^. 
Sayward, Esther, 400. 

SCHELINGER, Phebc, 268. 

ScHENCK, John, 197. 
Schuyler, Abram, 89, 93. 

Abraham, 211, 269. 

David, 259. 

John, 254, 263-5, 267, 269, 277. 

Peter, 211, 215, 220, 230, 232-3, 
249. 

PhiHp, 96, 266, 278, 280, 301, 
306, 402. 
Scott, Alexander, 104, 272, 424. 

Ebenezer A., 272. 

George, 424. 

Henry, 361. 

John, 361. 

Lieutenant, 77, 226. 

Polly, 33. 

Winfield, 167. 
ScoviLLK, Hannah (Saxe), 81. 

Josiah B., 81. 
ScRiBNER, Jonathan, 116. 

Ruth, 135. 
Secor, Angeleek, 372. 
Secret Corps of Observation, 198, 

266, 375. 
Secretary of the Navy, 294. 
Secretary of War, 263, 266. 
Senezergues, de, 209. 
Sexton, Jonathan, 216. 
Seymour, Edmund, 369. 

Julius, 60. 

Sir Michael, 49. 
Shaler, Lucy, 411- 

Nathaniel, 411. 
Sharron, Mayor, 341. 
Shavers, George, 83-4. 
Shaw, Leander, 84. 



Shea, James, 424. 
Shelburne, Lord, 402. 
Sheldon, Arunah, 346. 
Ensign, 401. 
Mary, 346. 
Naomi, 346. 
Shelters, John, 341. 
Shepherd, Catherine, 131. 
Sheridan, General, 247. 
Sherman, Benjamin, 161, 431-2. 
George, 348. 
Enoch, 361. 
George R., 348. 
H. H.,349- 
Jehaziel, 281, 353. 
Job, 431-2- 
Lieutenant, 140. 
Philip, 58. 
Pliny, 431. 
Martha, 432. 
Nathan, 348. 
Richard W., 281, 283. 
Vice-President, 304. 
William T., 330. 
Sherrill, Polly (Miller), ^loi. 
Sherry, Captain Seth, 268, 360. 
Sherwood, Captain J., 195, 249. 
Shields, Thomas, 371. 
Shipbog, Thomas, 65. 
Sibley, Joseph, 203. 
SiGNoR, Betsey, 265. 
Hannah, 265. 
John, 265. 
"Silver Greys," 42, 134, 257, 436. 
Sinclair, John, 326. 
.Skeele, 353. 
Skene, Major, 105, 129. 
Skinner, Anne, 148. 
Joseph, 225, 295. 
Richard, 361. 

St. John B. L., 106, 115, 225, 
284, 295, 406, 415. 
Slaves, 7, 9, 14. 20, 22, 115, 166, 167, 

257' 332, 354, 385. 432, 435- 
Slosson, Eleazer, 108. 
Lucy, 108. 
William, 108. 
Sons of the American Revolu- 
tion, Society of, 157, 258. 
Sons of Liberty, 368. 
SoPER. Amos, 152. 
Daniel, 

Moses, 98, 216. 
Sampson, 115. 
SoREL, de, 80. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



469 



SowLES M., 347 

Mrs. Merrit, 342. 

William, (Soule). 84. 
Smith, Aaron, 385. 

Allen, 122, 157, 220-1, 375. 

Achsa, 381-2. 

Amaziah, 361. 

Benjamin, 266, 357. 

Dorothea, 213, 377. 

Edward C, 213. 

Elizabeth, 91, 143, 155. 

Ephraim, 64. 

George, 295. 

Isaac, 155, 218, 250, 375. 

Israel, 41, 124, 265, 434. 

Jean (Wells), 319. 

J. Gregory, 377. 

John, 77, 266. 

J. O., 115. 

Levi, 366. 

Loyal L., 417, 427. 

Margaret, 142, 155. 

Marshall, 88-9, 135, 404. 

Nathan, 135, 404. 

Nehemiah, 77, 144, 350, 355. 

Melancton, Sr., 41, 119, 157, 182, 
186, 231, 236, 266, 317, 434. 

Melancton, Jr., 75, 90, 107, 118, 
119- 136, 233, 236, 259-61, 
305. 317. 400. 

Samuel, 265. 

Sidney, 44, 48, 143, 157, 161-2, 
199, 232, 236, 285. 
Smugglers, 56. 242, 
Solace, Judge, 365. 

Sophia, 365-6. 
Spalding, Holcomb, 404. 

Joseph, 355. 

Nathan, 28. 
Spaulding, James R., 12. 

Timothy, 363. 
Spear, Amos C, 58. 

Caroline, 
Spencer, Ambrose, 425. 
Sperry, Gilead, 68, 115, 123-4, 130, 

231. 234, 394, 408. 
Spring, Mrs. Rebecca, 273. 
Springer, Lieutenant, 295. 
Sproul, Captain, 281. 
Squire, Odle, 363. 
Staats, Anna Maria, 145, 248, 

Cornelius, 248. 
Stafford, Celesta, 432. 

Wendall P., 212. 
Standish, Henriette, 277. 



Standish, Matthew M., ii, 157, 277, 

281, 374. 
Stanley Hannah, 325. 
Stansbury, Lieutenant, 294, 29S-9. 

General T. E., 298. 
Stark, John, 10, 47, 77, 108, 204, 

337. 346, 430- 

Susannah, 108. 
Stearns, Asineth, loi. 

Calvin, 338. 

John, 337-8. 

Mary, 338. 

Peter, 10 1. 
Stebbins, Abigail, 332. 

Benoni, 319. 

Thankful, 357. 
Steele, Zadock, 341. 
Stephens, 119. 
Stephenson, John, 85, 94. 

Lieutenant, 141. 

Peter, 200. 
Stetson, Francis Lynde, 8, 60, 197. 

Helen E., 343. 

John L., 303-4. 

John S., 116, 313, 343. 

Lemuel, 72-3, 134. 

Marion E., 32, 313, 343. 

Reuben, 72. 

Robert, 286. 
Steuben, Baron, 339. 
Stevens, A. D., 273. 

George T., 405. 

Mr., 167. 

Samuel, 409. 
Stevenson, Samuel. 

W. H., 140. 
Stiles, Asa Sr., 255. 

Asa Jr., 255. 

Stocker, } T 

c ^ „ Mames, 1^0, -524. 

Stockner, ) •' ' o ' o t 

Stockwell, Quentin, 305. 

Stoddard, Chauncey, loi, 149. 

John, 23, 24, 227, 371. 

Pauline C, 341. 

Solomon, 23. 
Stone, D. C, 25. 

Dennis, 140. 

Major, 420. 

Roby G., 242-3, 294, 370. 
Storm, Thomas, 266. 
Storrs, Colonel, 278. 
Story, Amos, 363. 

Ann, 363. 
Stoughton, John, 16. 



470 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Stoughton, Ruth, i6. 

William, 173. 
Stowe, Jeremiah, 240. 
Stranahan, Mrs. F. Stewart, 213. 
Stratton, Esther S., 318, 431. 

Joel, 431. 

John, 318, 431. 
Strong, General, 281. 

John, 252, 361, 372. 

Luther, 361. 

Nathan, 361. 
Suffolk South Association, 69. 
Sullivan, General, 198. 
SuMERiCKS, Joseph, 361. 
Sumner, General, 304. 
Sunderlin, Byron, 316, 3S0, 406, 

420, 430. 
Swartout, Jacobus, 266. 

Samuel, 266. 
Sweeney, Captain, 152. 
Swetland, William, 8, 67, 99, 113, 

148, 190, 306, 310, 317, 347. 
Sylvester, Mrs., 234. 

Tabor, Sarah M., 44. 

Taft, President, 204, 207-10. 

Tankard, Martin, 115. 

Tappan, Peter, 41, T05, 124, 434. 

Taylor, Absalom, 49. 

Doctor, 26. 

Governor, 198-9. 

John S. D., 12, 263. 

Joseph W., 13. 

Lieut. -Governor, 429. 

Martin, 84, 153, 166, 172, 296, 

334, 365- 

Peter, 266. 

Othniel, 398. 

W. C. 376. 
Teft, O. a., 277. 
Ten Eyck, SherilT, 233-4. 
Thatcher, Capt., 324. 
Thayer, Gilbert, 389, 390. 
Thibault, G., 385. 
Thomas, General, 121. 

John M, 212-3. 

Harry, 283. 
Thompson, Barnabas, 148. 

D. P., 90, 228. 

James, 7, 61, 273, 400. 

Jonathan, 256. 

Robert M., 207. 

Zadock. 148. 
Thorndike, Dr., 26. 



Thorne, Joseph, 308. 

William, 290. 
Thornton, Captain, 132, 137. 
Thorp, Josiah, 245. 
Thurber, Edward, 146. 

Emily, 244. 

Ezra, 107, 146-7, 244, 337, 
381-2, 433. 
Ticonderoga Hist. Society, 151, 

229. 
Titus, Benjamin, 266. 

Elizabeth (Jackson), 208. 
Tobias, James, ^69, 383. 
Todd, Mr., 65. 
Tom, Nathaniel, 266. 
Tompkins, Governor, 191, 408. 
Tories, 19, 228, 411. 
tormey, p. j., 349- 

IZ^:. [Abigail, ,,.0. 

J. H., 371, 

Orrel, 371. 
TowNSEND, Canon, 321. 

Lord Viscount, 97. 
TowNSHEND, Colonel, 228. 
Tracy, General de, 80, 271. 315, 320. 
Trafton, Charles, 357. 
Travesey, de, 80. 
Travis, Melancton W., 152, 289. 
Treadway, Jonathan, 26. 

Lieutenant, 140. 

William, 26. 
Treadwell, Ann, 20, 223. 

Nathaniel H., 20, 21, 147, 398. 

Thomas Sr., 20, 34, 41, 157, 
231, 240, 257, 266, 418, 431, 

434-5- 

Thomas Jr., 34, 107, 116. 
Treadwell's Mills Pulp & Paper 

Co., 132. 
Trombly, Bruno, 255-6. 

John B., 256. 
Trowbridge, James, 68, 114, 151. 
Truman, Almas, 283. 
Trumbull, John, 393, 402. 
Try'ON, Governor, 122, 394. 
Turner, Byron Pond, 336. 

Ezra, 96. 

David, 336. 

Jasper C., 336. 

Ross Sterling, 336. 
Tuttle, Joseph W., 46, 138. 

Lucy, 405-6. 

Samuel, 46, 406. 

Thaddeus, 193. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



471 



Twiss, Captain, 68. 
Tyler, Joseph, 129. 

Van Buren, John, 307. 

Martin, 22, 266, 296. 
Van Ness, Cornelia (Mrs. Roosevelt), 

417- 

Cornelius P., t,^, 116, 192, 373. 

Peter, ;^Ti. 

William P., 33. 
Van Rensselaer, J. Ruten, 70. 
Van Wyke, Altie, 223. 

Mary, 83, 109. 
Varick, Richard, 193. 
Vaudreuil, De, 24, 76, 216, 222, 

329- 
Vaughn, Benjamin Sr., 397. 

Benjamin Jr., 397. 

Rapel, 325. 
Vedder, Hernia n, 211. 
Vermont Colonial Dames, 213. 
Vermont Episcopal Institute, 

149. 417- 
Vermont Fish and Gun League, 

285, 304. 
Vermont National Guards, 213. 
Vermont Militia, 44, 216, 361, 406. 
Vermont Volunteers, 287-8, 297. 
Vert, Mrs. C. J., 86. 
Victoria, Queen, 62. 
Vilas, Freeman M., 347. 

Samuel F., 16, 85, 97, 145, 194. 

Samuel F. Home, 74, 97, 357. 
ViMONT, Father, 142. 
Vinson, Major, 278. 
Vergennes, Count de, 402. 

Wadhams, Edgar P., 125, 146, 154, 
403. 
Luman, 47, iii, 146, 409. 
Wadsworth, Miss, 49. 
Wagner, Peter, 341. 
Wait ) 
Waite, [Benjamm. 

Carlos (Gen.), 145, 294, 418. 

Cyrus, 361. 

Gardner, 361. 

John, 245-6. 

Joseph, 266. 

Solomon, 361. 

William, 361. 
Walden, J., 247. 
Walker, Benjamin, 266. 
Walsh, Dr., 268. 
AValters, Abraham, 306. 



Walworth, Benjamin, 353. 

Hiram Sr., 38, 15 1-2, 157, 180. 
Hiram Jr., 44, 371, 428. 
Mi.ry E., 124. 

Reuben H., 24, 53, 65, 123, 159 
164, 174, 195-6, 231, 310, 

Warburton, 242, 330. 
Ward, — , 135, 404. 
Warford, John, 310, 402. 
Warm, Jacob D', 86, 93, 269. 
Warner, Captain, 309. 

Seth, 32, 82, 86, 131-2, 213, 
264, 301, 337, 342, 386, 394, 

430- 
Warren, Grizel, 308, t,^^. 

Mrs. A. M., 56. 
Washington, 56, 83, 131, 158, 164, 

266, 295, 339, 379, 394, 402, 426. 
Waterbury, General, 324, 331-2. 
Waterhouse, Henry, 26, 182, 325. 
Watkins, Mrs. S. B., 197. 
Watson, Elkanah, 9, 30, 96, 262, 
402-3, 425. 

George W., 371. 

John, 49, 63, 65, 70, 79, 118, 
166, 172, 273, 324, 385. 

Winslow C, 28, 40, 185, 244, 
318, 425-6. 
Weaver, Catherine, 17, 76, 384. 

Elizabeth, 384. 

Peter, 263. 

Thomas, 263. 

William R., 424. 
Webb, Darick, 95, 188, 216. 

George H., 371. 

George N., 420. 

Henry L., 254. 

Leah, 220—221. 

Mrs. F. H., 335. 

Seward, 285. 
Webster, Charles R., 96. 

George W., 406. 
Weed, Caroline (Standish), 11. 

Mrs. George S., 10. 

Smith M., II, 109, 187, 208, 210, 
234, 277. 
Weeks, William R., 11, 202, 225. 
Weir, Alexander, 325. 
Welch, Catherine, 144. 
Wellington, Colonel, 194, 282-4. 

Duke of, 49, 280, 282. 
Wells, Deacon, 171. 

John, 384. 



472 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



Wells, Louisa, loi. 

Nathan, 286. 
Wentworth, Benning, 10, 336, 348. 
Weston, Elijah, 263. 
Wever, Francis C. (Bentley), 59. 
Wharton, Captain, 308. 
Wheeler, Orville G., 309, 311, 315, 

355. 365. 367-8- 

Melancton, 292. 

Peter, 311. 

Preserved , 3 1 0-3 1 1 . 
Wheelwright, Esther, 229, 319, 

321, 355-6, 416. 
Whelpley, Samuel W., 71. 
White, Bishop, 358, 415. 

Ebenezer, 77. 

Elijah, 374-5- 

Lavater, 283. 

Mary, 374. 

Robert, 283. 

William, 361. 

William H., 361. 
Whiteside, Thomas, 102, 296-7. 
Whitman, Ann, 148. 

John, 148. 
Whitney, David, 132. 

John, 24. 
Wilcox, Daniel, 232, 303. 

James, 129. 
WiLKiNS, Mr. 326. 
Wilkinson, James, 15, 18, 89, 91. 
WiLLARD, Emma, 419. 
Williams, Andrew, 109, 194, 277. 

Betsey, 144, 418. 

Bishop, 125. 

Eleazer, 56, 198, 214, 217, 225, 
249, 265-6, 272, 280-2, 288, 
301, 326-7, 358, 364, 375. 396, 
398, 401, 408, 419-20, 429. 

Ephraim, 287. 

Eunice, 23, 195, 211, 214, 227, 
249, 269, 271-2, 358, 393. 

Experience, 358. 

Flavins, 152, 289. 

Isaac, 369. 

Jacob, 16. 

John (Rev.), 23, 214, 371. 

John (of Caughnawaga), 290, 
420. 

Nathan, 199. 

Roger, 58. 

Sarah F., 76. 

Samuel, 214, 422. 

Samuel (Judge), 358. 

Stephen, 271. 



Williams, Thomas, 249-50, 408, 420. 

Warham, 358. 

William, 25. 

Zebediah, 327. 
Wilmot, Francis, 291. 
WiLLSBORo Compact, 77. 
Wilson, George, 334. 

James A., 77. 

Mrs., 283. 

V. B., 224. 
WiLTSE, Eyda, 22. 
Winans, James, 169. 

John, 22, 132, 135, 168-9, 373. 
WiNCHELL, Destina, 406. 

Jonathan, 157. 

Lucy Destina, 406. 

Martin, 406. 

Samuel, 406. 
WiNTHROP, Thomas F., 255. 
WiNSLow, E. S., 194. 
WiNSOR, 226, 428. 
Wise, Stephen, 64. 
WiTHERBEE, Silas, H., 348-9. 

W. C, 187, 203-4, 424. 

WiTHERILL, H. M., 371. 

WiTHERSPooN, Andrew, 139, 276, 295. 
Wolfe, General, 176, 350. 
Wood, Adin, 394. 

Amasa, 346. 

Collier, 323. 

Enos, 346, 354, 394- 

H. A., 347- 

Ira, 151. 

James, 24. 

Jonathan, 171. 

Ranson E., 409. 

Simeon, 399. 

Solomon, 346. 

WOODBRIDGE, E. D., 373. 

Enoch, 72. 
Woodruff, Elias, 107, 358, 398. 

Silas, 398. 

H. A., 347, 371- 
WooDWARD, Helen D., 309. 

J. Douglas, 145, 164. 

William, 164. 
Wool, John E., 167, 194, 283, 294-5, 

^r 375- 

WooLCUT, Elijah, 188. 

Samuel, 327. 
WooLSEY, Melancton L., 13, 68, 94, 

107, 171, 197, 266, 306, 373, 420. 
WoosTER, Benjamin, 80. 

David, 118, 122, 326, 348. 
Worth, General, 167. 



Index of Persons and Organizations 



473 



Wright, Daniel, 47, 202. 

Dan S., 63. 

Harriet A., 317. 
Wykes, William, 77. 
Wynkoop, Jacobus, 260. 

Yale, Lois, 152. 

Y. M. C. A., 21, 42, 97. 

Yates, 231. 

Christopher, 234. 



Yates, Robert, 234. 
Young, Bennet H., 344- 377- 

Colonel, 316. 

James, 125, 127. 

John, 125, 127. 

Joshua, 273. 

Samuel, 375. 

Thomas, 105. 
Youngs, Captain White, 300. 



INDEX OF PLACES AND EVENTS. 



Abraham, Plains of, 209. 
Adams Ferry, hi, 403. 
Addison, 29, 57, 86, 93, 99, m, 
117, 132, 135- i98> 248, 252, 
279, 310, 326-7, 336, 337, 339, 
404. 

Adirondacks, 220, 244, 258, 273, 
279. 352, 429- 

Adriance, Va., 97. 

Albany (Fort Orange), 9, 11, 22, 
44, 64, 72, 82, 86, 91, 103, 109, 
116, 118-9, 123, 125, 131, 135-6, 
147-8, 154, 169, 173, 178, 191, 
212, 214-5, 234, 238, 243, 249, 
252, 254, 256, 260, 269, 271, 
279. 287, 306, 316, 326, 370, 
372, 409, 424-5, 427, 429, 431. 

Alburgh, 57, 84, 139, 242, 272, 
360-1. 
Tongue . 

Alexandria, Va., 336. 

Allen's Hill, 388. 

Allen's Point, 45. 

Altona, 83, 399. 

Alsace, 167, 170. 

America, 44, 56-7, 73, 82, 95, 104, 
165, 277. 

American House (St. Albans), 343. 

Amherst College, 245. 

Amsterdam, 73. 
Classis of, 315. 

Anthony (Mt.), 10. 

Antietam, 303. 

Antrim (Ireland), 129. 

Appletree Point, 281, 348. 

"Ark, The," 123. 

Arlington, Va., 388. 

Vt., 13, 82, 108, 249. 

Armagh, Ireland, 7. 

Armenia (Dutchess co.), 250. 

Arnold's Bay, 114. 

Arnold's Point, Frontispiece. 

Arsenal, 78, 84, 121, 190, 238, 350. 

i\SBURNHAM (Mass.), 150, 355. 

Ash Island, 162, 169. 
AsTOR House, 84. 
Astronomer's Island, 306. 



Atchison, Kan, 363. 
Athol, Mass., 382, 385. 
AUSABLE, 89, 98, 138, 190, 388. 

Chasin, 172, 326. 

Forks, 88, 140, 244, 409, 428. 

Great (River), 58, 84, 133, 138, 
244, 327, 356. 

Little (Beaver), 328. 

Point, 57, 183. 

Bachelor's Creek, 107. 

Ballston, N. Y., 277. 

Baltimore, Md., 165, 356. 

Barber's Point, 403. 

Barnard, Vt., 20. 

Basin Harbor, 22, 40. 

Batten Kill, 249. 

Bay De Roche Fendue (Split 
Rock, q.v.). 

Bay St. Armand, 21, 305, 308. 

Bear Hunts, 325, 327. 

Becket, Mass., 350. 

Beekmantown, N. Y., 19, ^;^, 55, 
71, 85, 116, 128, 173, 180, 252, 
268, 274, 282—3, 291, 295, 302, 
351. 358. 360, 388, 391, 415, 417. 

Belmont, N. Y., 251. 

Bemis Heights (Saratoga), 44, 259. 

Bennington, Vt., 8, 10, 17, 19, 31, 
32, 50, 86, 118, 132, 158, 181, 
188, 210, 228, 234, 249, 251, 
257, 261-2, 300, 324, 337, 339, 
346, 396, 421, 430. 

Berkshire Co., Mass., 78. 

Bermuda, 127, 177. 

Berthier, 215, 262-3, 271, 400. 

Besancon, France, 152. 

Betsburgh, (Westport), 205. 

Beverly, Mass., 325. 

Bixby's Grotto, 172. 

Black Brook, N. Y., 89, 112. 

Black Hawk War, 74. 

Black River, N. Y., 120, 413. 
Vt., 346. 

Blanchard's Point, 291. 

Block Houses, 65, 68, 195, 238-9, 
246, 278, 373.' 



476 



Index of Places and Events 



Bluff Point, N. Y., 192, 203-4. 
BoLENABE, 250. 
Bolton, Vt., 243. 

Boston, Mass., 49, 62, 68, 125, 132, 
149, 192-3, 214, 239, 285, 307, 

336, 359. 371. 377. 401- 
Boucherville, 262, 232. 
Boundary Line (Canada), i6r, 178, 
iSi;, 252, 292. 

(N. Y. & Ct.), 318. 
Bouquet } River, N. Y., 19, 39, 
BoQUET f 61, 94, 130, 135, 170- 

I, 176, 182, 184, 305, 326. 
Boxford, Mass., 171 
BozRAH, Ct., 353. 
Brainard's Forge, 413. 
Branding Iron, 300. 
Brandon, Vt., 55. 
Brattleboro, Vt., 377. 
Bridge Street, 46, 50, 53, 82, 85, 

264, 319, 322, 399. 
Bridgewater, Vt., 148. 
Bridport, Vt., 88, 132, 135, 327, 

329, 365, 404. 
Brighton Beach, 340. 
Broad Street, 7, 22, 29, 75, 78, 84, 

121, 133, 173. 180, 238-9, 243, 

355. 365. 402, 416. 
Brookfield, Mass., 385, 407. 

(Willsboro), N. Y., 379. 
Brookline, Mass., 16. 
Brooklyn, N. Y., 18, 25, 272-3, 

432-3- 

Brouage, France, 195. 

Brownington, Vt., 60. 

Buffalo, N. Y., 213, 263, 377, 424. 

BuLwAGGA Bay, 29. 

Bunker Hill, 37, 47, 144, 192, 387. 

Burlington, Vt., 9-10, 12, 16, 21, 
28-9, 31. 35. 40, 42, 46-7, 49. 
53' 55. 57-8, 60, 62, 71, 78, 83, 
91, 95, 97, 103, iio-i, 113. 
116-8, 123-5, 132, 137, 147, 
153. 157. 163, 165, 168-9, 174-6, 
189—90, 192—3, 200, 206, 210, 
212, 219—22, 234, 237—9, 242, 
244-5, 248, 252, 259, 261, 273, 
281-3, 285-6, 301, 304, 306, 
308-9, 316, 328, 336, 344, 348. 
359. 366, 373, 386-7, 398, 401, 
410—12, 432. 

Burton, ^o. 

BuTTo.v Bay, 279. 

Button Mould Bay, 286. 



Caddy, Ireland, 7. 
Cadyville, N. Y., 87, 115, 421. 
Caldwell, Lake George, 189. 
California, 127, 330, 381, 424. 
Cambridge, Mass., 232, 394. 

Washington Co., 388. 
Camp (Encamping) Island, 52, 71, 

95. 172- 
Canaan, Ct., 308, 391. 
Canada, 45, 49, 62, 74, 78, 84, 88, 
100, 121, 133, 135, 154, 161, 
164, 202, 207—8, 222, 230, 
238, 241, 250, 259, 264, 267, 
277. 290, 305, 319, 321, 327, 
360, 370, 387, 390-2, 432. 

Lower, 21, 32, 43, 57, 114. 
Canadian Expedition, 32. 90-1, 

121— 2, 301. 
Canals, 30, 87, 246, 367, 387. 
Canton, N. Y., 434. 
Cape Breton, 376. 
Cape Horn, 330. 
Carillon (Ticonderoga), 197, 222, 

229, 235, 240—1, 296, 299. 
Carnegie Library, 262. 
Carrara, Italy, 200. 
Castleton, Vt., 127, 210, 327, 351. 
Catherine Street, Plattsburgb, 42, 

130. 
Caughnawaga, 178, 211, 271, 393, 

402, 408. 
Centreville. 
Chambly, 16, 89, 181, 191, 263, 

304-5, 388. 
Champlain Canal, 30, 246, 247. 
Champlain, District of, 43, 63, 76, 

397- 

N. Y., II, 14, 26, 29, 31-2, 35, 
37. 39. 63-4. 67, 69, 76, 78, 
80, 83, 89-91, 93-4, 100, 102- 
3, 107, 113, 120, 126, 128—9, 
146-7, 165, 174-5, 184, 189, 
201, 232, 238-9, 256, 258, 
261, 273, 276, 280, 286, 291, 
296, 313. 320, 325, 328, 337, 
358, 361, 374, 376, 424. 

Tercentenary, 201—15. 

Valley, 16, 40, 62, 69, 172, 174, 
201, 203, 222, 245, 251, 303, 
338, 373. 377-8. 395. 397. 426. 

Hospital, 187, 197. 
Charleston, N. H., 327, 346. 

S. C, 115, 147. 
Charlotte, Vt., m, 152, 188, 311, 
347- 367. 387. 396-7- 



Index of Places and Events 



477 



Charlotte, County ,^72, 5348. ? 
Street, Plattsburgh,^^i59, ^234, 
322, 402. 

Chase's, 352. 

Chateaugay Expedition, 369. 

Chateaugay Four Corners, 15. 

Chateaugay, N. Y., 8, 39, 43, 64, 78, 
105, 115, 128, 137, 192, 263, 
300-1, 387, 398, 417, 419. 431- 

Chatham, N. Y., 297. 

Chazy Landing, 83, 239. 

Chazy, N. Y., 26, 35, 37, 39, 49. 
62-4, 67, 72, 76, 80, 83, 91, 
99, 107-8, 127, 144, 171, 180, 
191, 199—200, 236, 239—42, 
255-6, 271-2, 276, 281, 291, 
315. 337-8, 359, 381, 409, 
417, 422, 424. 
River, 148, 151, 164, 170, 245, 
360. 

Chesterfield, N. Y., 53, loi. 

Chianderoga (Ticonderoga, q.v.)- 

Chicago, 152, 203. 

Chimney Point, Vt., 29, 87, 93, 203, 
240, 269, 287, 327, 398, 427. 

Chism's Point, 7, 47, 79, 383. 

Chittenden County, Vt., 13, 366. 

Cholera (Asiatic), 132, 243-4, 408. 

Clarendon, Vt., 274, 348. 

Clayburgh, N. Y., 109. 

Clermont, 169, 322. 

Cleveland, Ohio, 319. 

Cliff Haven, N. Y., 201, 254, 268. 

Clinton, N. Y., 137, 372, 417. 

County, N. Y., 28, 52-3, 63-5, 

69, 78, 83, 95-6, 155, 171, 

182, 256, 281, 291, 297, 325, 

337' 368, 388, 390, 405, 417. 

Prison, 88, 121. 

Clintonville, N. Y., 152. 

Cloven Rock (Split Rock q.v.). 

Cocheco (Dover, N. H.), 308, 357, 
407. 

Colchester, Vt., 113, 119, 168, 281, 

303- 
Cold Harbor, 224. 
Cold Season, 33, 166, 171. 
College Street, (Burlington) 9, 

220. 
colonie, n. y., ii. 
Columbia Co., N. Y., 33. 
Columbus, Ohio, 144. 
Comstock, N. Y., 433. 
Confiance, 292, 299. 



Connecticut, 57, 117, 121-2, 132, 
173. 196, 232, 271, 328, 358, 
362, 369, 375, 379, 397, 430- 

Constable, N. Y., 115. 

Coon Mountain, 40. 

Corlear's Lake, 259, 287. 

Cornelia Street, (Plattsburgh), 42, 
49, 251, 302, 305, 307, 313, 319, 
415-16. 

Corinth, N. H., 85. 

Cornwall Ct., 23. 

Crab Island, 59, 61, 281, 286, 289, 
297. 306, 331. 

Cragen River (Saranac, q.v.). 

Crown Glass Works, 415. 

Crown Point, 23, 36, 49, 64-5, 66, 
69, 70, 76-7, 79, 87, no, 114, 
131-3. 136, 143-4. 154, 160, 
163-6, 168, 171-2, 175, 178, 
182-4, 188-9, ^9^-9' 202-3, 207, 
217, 224, 226, 240, 243—4, 248, 
257, 260, 263, 273, 285, 288-9, 
308, 324, 327, 329, 331-4, 337, 
342-3, 345-6, 352, 359. 364, 369, 
372, 380, 385, 397, 43°- 

Cuba, 68, 74. 

Culloden, 350. 

Culver Hill, 54, 145, 194, 196-7, 
284, 309. 

Cumberland Avenue, 8, 59, 76, 89, 
121, 166, 313. 

Cumberland Bay, 18, 76, 86, 97, 
151, 167, 179, 254, 269, 282, 
286, 291, 324, 370, 423. 

Cumberland Head, 8, 18, 31, 37, 
42, 43, 59, 63, 85, 94, 101-2, 
no, 119, 154-5, 178-9- 183, 
185-7, ^^9^, 197, 219, 231-2, 
239, 240, 243, 248, 254, 262, 
264—6, 271, 276, 286, 296, 299, 
318, 328, 331, 343, 364, 367, 
376, 385, 410, 415, 427, 435. 

Cumberland Valley, 76. 

Danbury, Ct., 122. 

Danby, Vt., 372, 396. 

Dannemora, N. Y., 87, 173, 222, 

415- 
Danville, Vt., 300. 
Dansville, N. Y., 82, 87. 
Dark Day, 373. 
Dartmouth College, 300. 
Dartmouth, Mass., 382, 395. 
Dead Creek, 8, 151, 174, 180, 191, 

234, 281, 284, 346. 



4/8 



Index of Places and Events 



Deerfield, Mass., 23, 214, 319, 327, 
354, 357. 368, 401, 422. 

Derbyshire, Eng., 409. 

Des Moines, 423. 

Detroit, Mich., 106, 217. 

Dorchester Heights, 131. 

Dorset, Vt., 32, 228, 312. 

Douglassville, Canada, 164. 

Drouth, 33. 

Drury's Bluff, 122, 127, 140. 

Duck Creek, 327. 

dunbarton, n. h., 66. 

Durham, Eng., 44. 

Dutchess County, N. Y., 22, 32, 65, 
67, 72, 74, 78, 103, 105, 118, 155, 
186, 198, 218-9, 223, 236, 250, 
252, 266, 297, 356, 363, 369, 
377, 387, 426. 

Dutchman's Farm, 195. 

Dutchman's Point, 346. 

Eagle, 153, 161-2 165, 227, 251, 292. 

334, 414- 
East Bridgewater, Mass., 407. 
East Hampton, L. I., loi, 186, 429. 
East Middlebury, Vt., 403. 
Egremont, Mass., 246. 
Eliza (Elizabeth) Point, 7, 24, 51, 

70—2, 81, 400. 
Eliza Meadow, 21, 28. 
Elizabethtown, N. J. (Battle of), 

83- 
N. Y., 12, 19, 31, 35, 40, 42, 
64, 100, III, 141, 191, 274, 
33(>' 356, 368, 404-5, 408-9, 
413- 
Ellenburgh, N. Y., 39, no, 137, 
272. 
Wash., 369. 
Elmwood Cemetery (Burlington), 

157, 163, 273, 282. 
England, 23, 66, 103, 125-6, 138. 

147, 312, 415. 
Esopus (Kingston), 73, 387. 
Essex County, 37, 63, 72, 96, in, 
129, 182, 194, 205-6, 252, 275, 
281, 297, 308, 336, 348, 390, 
395, 405, 408-9, 426, 431. 
Essex County Academy, 69, 121, 

409. 
Essex Village, 7, 42, 96, 129, 135, 

182, 188, 347, 397. 
Everest, Kan., 363. 
Ezraville (Malone q.v.). 

Fairfax, Vt., 48, 291. 



Fairfield, Vt., 323. 

Falls of Montmorency, 419. 

Federal Stores, N. Y., 290. 

Ferris (Arnold's) Bay, 114. 

Ferrisburg, Vt., 137, 300, 339. 

Ferris Mills (Peru), 84. 

First Battle, 237. 

First Births, 296, 360, 394-5. 

First Boat, 232. 

First Carpet, 102. 

First Cattle Show, 337. 

First Docks, 43, 242. 

First Dwelling, 53, 69, 85, 107, 

177-8. 
First Church, 31, 318, 373. 
First Forges, 120, 128, 189, 423. 
First Horse, 78-9, 81, 87, 90. 
First Mass, 271. 
First Newspaper, 107, 408. 
First Piano, 296. 

First Religious Edifice, 235, 350. 
First Settlers, 40, 61, 75, 90, 96, 

107, 155, 184, 230, 237, 247, 

261, 360, 362. 
First School, 301, 375. 
First Steamboat, 22, 132, 150, 

168-9. 
First Townmeeting, 77, 88, 179, 

272, 432. 
Fishkill, N. Y., 147, 332. 
Floods, 82, 93-4, 99, 112, 113, 133, 

228, 233. 
Flushing, L. I., 128, 208, 308. 
Fordham, N. Y., 277. 
Fort Albany, (Orange), 22. 
Fort Ann, 246. 
Fort Brown, 278. 
Fort Cassin, 137, 252-3. 
Fort Chambly, 233, 271, 272, 299, 

342, 376, 395. 
Fort Edward, 143, 212, 221, 232-3, 

255- 
Fort Ethan Allen, 197. 
Fort Fisher, 224. 
Fort Frederick Light House, 427. 
Fort George, 35 15s, 161, 180, 

278. 
Fort McHenry, 356. 
Fort Miller, 149, 249, 251. 
Fort Montgomery, 183, 256. 
Fort Moreau, hi, 261, 278, 322. 
Fort Orange (Albany q.v.). 
Fort Pickens (Fla.), 244. 
Fort Scott, 278. 
Fort Sorel, 271. 



Index of Places and Events 



479 



Fort St. Anne, 8o, 267, 271, 315, 

318, 320, 326. 
Fort St. Frederick, 14, 28, 196, 

224, 279, 303, 345. 
Fort St. John, 272, 299, 395. 
Fort St. Theresa, 16, 32, 37. 
Fort Ticonderoga, 170, 179, 207, 

231, 263-4. 
Fort Warren, 149, 150. 
Fort Wayne, Ind., 295. 
Fort William Henry, 61, 77, 182, 

230, 287, 394. 
Fosterburgh, 111., 381. 
Four Brothers Islands, 183. 
Fox Chase, 420. 
France, 56,82,95, 130, 152, 174, 182, 

208, 232, 240-1, 271, 287 425. 
Franklin County, 27, 297. 
Franklin, Ct., 315. 
Fredenburgh Falls, 41, 177, 239. 
French Mills, 18, 63, 192, 301, 

316, 398-9. 
French Revolution, 235, 393. 
Friend's Burying Ground, 102. 
Friswsll's Patent, 57, 96, 160. 

Galena, 111., 97. 
Gales, 100, 113. 
Garden Island, ^;}7,. 
Geneva, Switzerland, 144. 
Georgia, 301. 

Vt., 122, 259, 358. 
Gilmanton, N. H., 323. 
GiLSUM, N. H., 202. 
Glens Falls, N. Y., 100. 
Gordon's Landing, 325. 
Goshen, Ct., 11 1. 
Gould's Hotel, 9. 
Grand Isle, 25, 55, 59, 62, 79, 84-5, 

103, 190, 249, 269, 278, 285, 

292, 324, 33°. 354, 366-7, 372, 

382, 423-4. 
Granville, N. Y., 164, 255, 360, 

37.=^- 425- 

Vt., 57. 
Great Insurrection, 388, 390-1. 

411. 
Great Neck, 361. 
Great Sandy Point, 57. 
Great Snowstorm, 137, 166, 353. 
Green Bay, Wis., 261, 272. 
Greenbush, N. Y., 300, 308. 
Green Mountains, 228, 258, 264, 

327, 420. 
Green Mount Cemetery, 50, 200. 
Groton, Mass., 273, 357. 



Growler, 334. 
Guilford, Ct., 13, 15. 
Vt., 228. 

Hackensack, N. J., 20. 

Half Moon, 131, 144. 

Halifax, 162. 

Hallock Hill, 280. 

Halsey's Corners, 99, 145, 284. 

Hammond Hill, 284. 

Hampton, Wash. Co., 15, 307. 

Hand's Cove, 327. 

Hardwick, Vt., 406. 

Harkness, N. Y., 88. 

Harper's Ferry, 273. 

Hartford, Ct., 117, 148, 163, 291, 

3.S2. 

Vt., 408. 
Hartwell Place, 75. 
Hatfield, 305. 
Haverhill, Ma.ss., 59, 85, 93. 
Hazenburgh, 291. 
Hazen Notch, 264. 
Hazen Road, 264. 
Hebron, Ct., 255. 
Hemingford, P. Q., 185. 
Hempstead, L. I., 250. 
Herkimer County, 297, 399. 
High Falls, 251. 
Highgate, Vt., 17, 31, 73, 162, 242, 

261, 355. 384- 
Hinesburgh, Vt., 302. 
Historic Sites, 8, 22-:;, ^8, 49-50, 

56, 58, 62, 78-9,^83-4, 86-7. 

89, 97, 107, no, 118, 121, 134, 
136, 140, 14s, 147, 151, 153-4, 
167-8, 172-7, 179, 184, 189, 203, 
217, 220, 234-5, 238, 240, 242, 
251, 261, 267, 269, 271, 278, 
280. 282, 284, 286—9, 291, 295—9, 
305, 309-10, 312-13, 317, 319- 
22, 324, 338, 351, 363-4, 369- 

376-7, t,Sti, 386, 390, 406, 410, 
416, 421, 423, 426-7, 430-1. 

Hixite Controversy, 382. 

hoganstown, n. y., 272. 

Holland, 138, 147, 355, 399. 

" Home for the Friendless," 146, 
374, 416. 

Homesteads, Old, 22-3, ^^, 36, 38, 
41, 44, 49, 53. 56, 66-7, 79, 
85-6, 91, 99-102, 106, 118, 
129-30, 134-5. 173, 175. 180, 
1S5, 196—7, 200, 207, 229, 235, 
242, 256, 261, 302, 304, 307, 
310, 319-20, 343, 412-3, 421. 



48o 



Index of Places and Events 



Honolulu, S. I., 97, 223, 388. 
HoosicK, N. Y., 50, 174, 257, 353. 
HoPKiNTON, N. Y., 402. 
Hospital Creek, (Addison), 99. 
Hot Day, 251. 
Hotel Champlain, 181, 192, 201, 

209, 236, 286, 304. 
Hotel Dieu, 55, 401. 
Howard's Hotel, 9, 57, 175. 
Howard Opera House, 58. 
Howe's Landing, 204. 
Hubbardton, Vt., 8, 430. 
Hudson River, 29, 44, 82, 100, 117, 

131, 238, 332, 367, 403- 
Huntington, L. I., 152. 
Huntington, P. Q., 32. 

Indian Relics, 245, 362, 407. 
Indian Rock, 47, 258, 316. 
Industries, Early, 35-7, 54, 56, 67, 

182, 186-7, 259-60, 312, 434- _ 
Inns, 9, 24-5, 26-7, 52, 118, 123, 

231-3. 271, 309, 338, 341, 400. 

402, 410, 418, 430. 
Invasion, British (1814), 132, 135, 
137, 140, 145, 176, 197, 219, 
240, 273, 275-6, 280-84, 307- 

9, 310. 346. 
Burgoyne's, 44, 84, 170, 249, 
259, 404- 

Inverawe, 221, 250. 

Ipswich, Mass., 44. 

Irasburgh, Vt., 140. 

Ireland, 410. 

Iroquois River (Richelieu, q.v.) 

Island Point, 183. 

Isle Aux Noix, 64, 162-3, 166, 170, 
176, 180-1, 183, 188, 191, 198, 
226, 238, 257, 267, 269, 280, 
298, 301, 313, 317, 342, 395- 

Isle Aux Tetes, 279. 

Isle La Motte, 33, 164, 166, 170, 
i8s, 199, 201, 212-13, 230, 232, 
250, 255, 258, 271, 277, 279, 
280, 285-6, 291, 298-9, 301, 305, 
354, 360-1, 377. 

Isle St. Michel (Crab, q.v.). 

Jamaica, Island of, 43- 
Jay, N. Y., 23, 64, 87, 192. 
Johnson, Vt., 9. 

Keene, N. Y., 206. 



Keeseville, N. Y., 19, 26,428, 64, 
68, 73, 138-9, 174, 197, 205-6, 
224, 266-8, 295, 298, 336, 376, 
389-90. 

Kent, Ct., 244, 265, 271. 
Eng., 36. 

KiLLINGLY, Ct., 43, 113, 320. 

KiNDERHooK, N. Y., 23, 31, 33-4, 43- 

L'ACADIE, 191. 

" La Acadia Plains," 265. 

Lachine, p. Q., 386. 

Lacolle, P. Q., 191. 

Lacole (River), 89, 182, 296, 317. 

Lake Champlain Association, 60. 

Lake Champlain, 14-15, 18, 33-5, 
37-8, 47, 56, 58, 66, 70-2, 75, 
84-5, 89, 96-8, 103, 105, 113, 
117, 123, 129-30, 134, 140, 163, 
169, 179, 183-4, 190-1, 196, 
224, 230, 237, 250, 255-6, 262, 
268, 279, 287, 291-2, 294, 297, 
309, 329, 341, 357, 367, 373, 
397-8, 424- 

Lake George (Horicon), 16, 61, 
117, 185, 189, 205, 209-12, 
219—20, 226, 240, 266, 279. 

Lake Kushaqua, 431. 

Lake Michigan, 272. 

Lake Ontario, 105, 240, 255. 

Lake Placid, 197, 220, 273, 424. 

Lake St. Sacrament (George, q.v.). 

Lake Superior, 245. 

Lamoille, 249, 410. 

Lancaster, Mass., 55. 
Pa., 362. 

Lanesboro, Mass., 78. 

Lansingburgh, N. Y., 412-3. 

Lapham's, 426. 

La Prarie, 226, 233, 249, 264, 267, 
362. 

Larabee's Point, 258, 395. 

Leith, Scotland, 139. 

Lewis, N. Y., 37, 96, iii, 146. 

Lexington Alarm, 37, 77, 171. 

Libby Prison, 244. 

Lincoln Pond, 112. 

Litchfield, Ct., 13, 29, 244, 261, 
328, 345, 348. 

Littleton, Mass., 46, 406. 

Logan's Point, 52. 

London, Eng., 51, 155, 177. 

Londonderry, Ireland, 14, 405. 

Long Island (Lake Champlain), 
199. 



Index of Places and Events 



481 



Long Island, N. Y., ioi, 133, 141, 
144, 221, 257, 266, 268, 358, 

374, 398- 
Long Meadow, Ct., 271, 408. 
longueil, 166, 342, 385, 388. 
Long Point, 76. 
L'Orient, France, 82. 
Lorraine, France, 95, 112. 
LouiSBURGH Expedition, 376. 
Louisiana, 143, 222. 
Lower Jay, 409. 

Loyal Block House, 68, 108, 195. 
Lozier Automobile, 340. 
Lozier Place, 286. 
Lozier Works, 426. 
Lundy's Lane, 347. 
Lyme, Ct., 33. 
Lynn, Mass., 260. 
Lyon Mountain, 248. 
Lyon Street, 53. 

Macdonough, 35, 381. 

Park, 268. 
Macomb's Purchase, 17 
Madeira, 147. 

Maine, Province of, 215, 345. 
Malone, N. Y., 19, 26, 44, 81, IOI, 

145, 163, 215, 264, 376. 
Manchester, N. H., 347, 362, 397. 

Vt., 32, 115, 130, 266, 351. 
Manila Bay, 122. 
Martinique, 89. 
Massachusetts, 23, 58, 113, 118, 

121, 171, 329, 354, 382. 
McCreedy's, 25. 
Mediterranean, 49, 138. 
Melrose, Mass., 10. 
Memorials, 8, 39, 55, 60, 185-6, 

201, 242, 258, 319, 323, 357, 

372, 409, 417. 
Middlebury College, 146, 212-3, 

238, 315. 362, 408, 425. 432. 
Middlebury, Vt., 37, 279, ^62, 381, 

384. 
Middle Hero, Vt., 366, 369. 
Middletown, Ct., 312, 411. 
MiLFORD, Ct., 301. 
Military Turnpike, 137, 163, 256, 

338, 351. 374, 417- 

MiLLTOWN, 39, 61, 63, 66, 93-5, 

186-7, 214, 274, 280, 304, 382. 
Milton, Vt., 49, 170, 292, 355, 401, 

410. 
Milwaukee, Wis., 152. 
Mineville, N. Y., 380. 



Mississippi (River), 388, 414. 

MissiSQuoi Bay, 366. 

Mohawk Valley, 173, 193, 209, 
221. 

Monkton, Vt., 57, 338. 

Monmouth, N. J., 81. 

MoNTPELiER, Vt., 192. 

Montreal, 14, 28, 55, 69, 71, 102, 
118, 122, 124, 133-4, 141, 162, 
164, 168, 170, 193, 201, 204, 
214-15, 227, 250, 256, 258, 
263-4, 267, 272, 281, 285, 304, 
312, 324, 339, 378, 401, 411, 
414, 422. 

Monuments, 99, 181, 200, 201, 213, 
221, 236, 258, 264, 268, 272, 
279, 282, 309, 336, 363, 377, 
382, 388, 391, 402-3, 430. 435- 

Monty's Bay, 397-8. 

Mooers, N. Y., 80-1, no, 139, 185, 
272, 353- 407, 424, 432. 

moriah, n. y., 348. 

Morris Heights, 403. 

morrisonville, n. y., 87. 

Morristown Academy, N. J., 71. 

Mosquito Coast, 147. 

Mount Assumption Institute, 86, 
256. 

Mt. Defiance, (Sugar Loaf), 199, 
354- 

Mt. Hope, (Mill Heights), 151, 197. 

Mt. Independence, 202, 205, 223, 

250, 351- 354- 
Mt. Pittsford, 210. 

Nantucket, 32, 350. 
Newburg, N. Y., 414. 
Newbury, Mass., 93. 

Vt., 264. 
New England, 48, 71, 187, 378, 

388, 394, 420 
New Hampshire Grants, 10, 13, 

29, 86, 105, 117, 234, 312. 
New Haven, Ct., 54, 117. 

Vt., 310-11. 
New Ipswich, N. H., 37. 
New Jersey, 399. 
New London, Ct., 401. 
New Marlboro, Mass., 300. 
New Milford, Ct. 
New Orleans, 46. 
New Preston, Ct., 103, 120, 266, 

416. 



482 



Index of Places and Events 



New York, 105, 121, 348, 394, 424. 

City, 10, 12, 33, 41, 60, 62, 69, 

71, 74, 85, 117, 125, 144, 

146-8, 153, 186, 210, 236, 

349. 356, 364-5. 377. 384. 
393, 416, 424, 432. 

Niagara Falls, 274-5. 

Nine Partners, N. Y., 42, 177, 
198, 208, 259, 265-6, 308, 363, 
372, 377-8, 393, 396, 4"- 

NiSMES, France, 89. 

Northampton, Mass., 371. 

North Elba, N. Y., 273. 

North Hero, Vt., 35, 87, 320, 330, 
346, 354, 394. 

North Island, 44. 

North Salem, N. H., 325. 

Northwest Bay, 85. 

Norfolk, Va., 14. 

Norwich, Ct., 25, 303, 346, 415. 

Nova Scotia, 290, 388. 

" Oblong," 198, 377, 387. 

Odelltown, p. Q., 90, 188, 263, 346. 

Ogdensburgh, N. Y., 146, 256, 403. 

Oneida Castle, 2S0. 

Oneida County, 297. 

Onion, (Winooski, q. v.) River. 

Orwell, Vt., 248, 407. 

Ossawatomie, 279. 

Ottawa, 391, 415. 

Otter Creek, (Riviere Aux Lou- 
tres), 89, 93, 137, 154, 187-8, 
207, 227, 249, 259, 287, 346, 350. 

OuiNousKi, (Winooski). 

Oxford, Ct., 117. 

Palatine, N. Y., 205. 

Panama, 330. 

Panton Bay, 334, 381. 

pANTON, Vt., 28, III, 150, 363, 404. 

Paris, 45, 108, 287, 422. 

Pawlet, Vt., 351, 366. 

Peacham, Vt., 264. 

Pearl Street, 53, 174, 366, 412. 

Peekskill Mountains, 259. 

Pennsylvania, 73, 274. 

Perth Amboy, N. J., 273. 

Perue Bay, 63, 67. 

Peru Landing, 43, 94. 

Peru, N. Y., ii, 35, 43. S6, 61, 83, 

87-8, 94, 97, lOI, 104, 1X2, 140, 
149, 161, 177, 193, 198, 208, 
235, 245, 248, 310, 323, 350, 
356, 361, 368, 380, 388, 409-10, 
418-9, 424. 431-2. 



Philadelphia, 14, 87-8, 105, 387, 

409, 415—16, 426. 
Philippine Insurrection, 74, 122. 
Philipsburgh, p. Q., 74. 
Phoenix, 10, 55, 122, 154, 231, 281-3. 
Pike's Cantonment, hi, 239, 246. 
Pillory, 300. 
Pine Point, 50, 52. 
PiscATAQUA Harbor, 405. 

PiTTSFIELD, Mass., II9. 
PiTTSFORD, Vt., 351. 
PiTTSTOWN, N. Y., 37. 

Plainfield, Ct., 355. 

N. J., 379- 
Plattsburgh Academy, 19, 51, 67, 
124, 136, 158, 238, 241, 277, 
281, 287, 307, 313, 315, 323, 
375,382,386. 
Plattsburgh Barracks, 56, 104, 
123, 145, 160, 167, 183, 208, 
300. 
Plattsburgh, Battle of, 19, 29, 44, 
50, 84, 99, 108, iio-ii, 150, 
157, 232, 253-4, 261, 268, 
277, 292-5, 297-300, 309-10, 
356, 370, 381, 414, 419. 423. 

429- 435- 
& Montreal R. R., 59, 106. 

N. Y., 7-9, 13-15, 18, 33-41, 46, 
52-6, 58-9, 61-3, 65-8, 70-6, 
78-91,94-107,114-25, 127-30, 
132-6, 139, 141, 143, 145-61, 
163-4, 167, 170-6, 179, 183, 
185-7, 189-90, 192-8, 200-4, 
208-10, 215-23, 225-8, 239, 
248, 254, 259, 264-6, 268-71, 
274-8, 280-90, 294-307, 309- 
25, 327-8, 334-6, 338, 340-3, 
345-53, 355-8, 360, 364-5, 
368-77, 379-80, 382, 384-6, 
391-2, 394, 396, 398-402, 
404-8, 410-21, 423-37- 

Siege of, 143, 145, ^S^, 180, 
182, 261, 278, 281-4, 287-95, 
306, 309-10, 323, 375, 419, 

435- 
State Normal School, 187, 373. 

Pleasant Valley, (Dutchess Co.), 

322. 

(Elizabethtown, q.v.) 
Plymouth, Mass., 30, 359. 

N. C, 114. 
Poke O' Moonshine, 356. 
Point Ausable, 183. 



Index of Places and Events 



483 



Point Au Fer, 176, 183, 198, 224, 

286, 352. 
Point Au Roche, 85, 187, 240, 250, 

291. 358. 
Point Oliver, L. C, 244. 
PoQuoNocK, Ct., 376. 
Point SqueSonton (Cumberland 

Head, q. v.). 
Port Douglas, 426. 
Port Gilliland (Janesboro), 99, 

145, 167, 228. 
Port Henry, 100, 189, 203, 316, 

348, 3S0, 424. 
Port Jackson, 53, 56, 145. 
Port Kent, 9, 78, 151, 266, 324, 

401—2. 
Portsmouth, N. H., 229. 
Potsdam, N. Y., 136. 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 32, 79, 83, 

109, 112, 117, 139, 142, 145, 

147-8, 169, 195, 231, 236, 252, 

290, 366, 407, 416-17, 434. 
Poultney, Vt., 82, 86, 301, 354. 
Preston, Ct., 116, 303, 412, 416. 
Princeton, Battle of, 83. 
Prospect Heights, 284. 
Providence Island, 132, 139, 281-2. 
Providence Orphan Asylum, 124. 
Providence, R. I., 21, 426. 
Province Point, 183. 
Prussia, 162. 
Putnam Creek, 190. 

Quebec, 10, 16, 23, 28, 31, 41, 62, 68, 
80, 89, III, 126, 128, 131, 135, 
143, 176, 181, 195, 204, 214, 
216-19, 225, 228-9, 255, 260, 
267, 278, 315, 319, 321, 326-7, 
329. 339-40, 350, 355-6, 397, 
401-2, 404, 428, 430, 436. 

Queen City Park, 241. 

QuEENSTowN, 295. 

Raids, Carleton's, 135, 248, 404. 

Indian, 248, 341, 345. 

Murray's, 167, 238-41, 252-3, 
335. 418. 

Pring's, 135, 137, 139. 

St. Albans, 330, 332, 343-4, 377. 
Rand Hill, 222. 
Randolph, Vt., 192. 
Ransom's Landing, 154. 
Rattle Snake Den, 267. 
Ray Brook, N. Y., 196. 
Reading, Pa., 362, 



Redford (Saranac), 36S, 404, 41!^. 
Red Hook, 198. 

Reggio (RockDunder), 226, 259, 279. 
Rensselaerwyck, 315. 
Rhinebeck, N. Y., 73, 76, 384. 
Rhode Island, 378, 432. 
Richelieu River, 32, 121, 127, 181, 

196, 224, 257, 329, 376. 
Richmond, Va., 138. 

RiDGEFIELD, Ct., II7. 

Riverside Cemetery, 99, 133, 145, 
157. 159. 236, 264, 269, 295, 
351, 406, 416, 419. 

Rock Dunder, (Reggio.) 

Rock Point, 168, 281. 

Rouses Point, 13, 26, 29, 39, 60, 98, 
113, 122, 124, 130, 135-6, 147, 
163-4, 183, 244, 336, 338, 382, 

433- 
Royal George, 126. 
Royal Savage, 39, 331, :i^^,. 
Royalton, Vt., 192, 339, 340-1, 423. 
Rtiisseaiimont, 197. 
Russia (Town of Saranac), 109. 
Rutland, Vt., 358, 387. 

Sabbath-Day Point, 202. 
Sackett's Harbor, 118, 234. 
Saginaw, Mich., 319. 
Salem, Ct., 26. 
Salem, Mass., 295, 325. 
Salisbury, Ct., 119, 173, 198, 248, 
328, 391. 

Vt., 351, 363. 
Salmon River, 163, 177, 228, 246, 

317- 328. 
Saranac Inn, 201. 
Saranac, N. Y., 89, 316, 415. 

River, 46, 75, 97-8, 145, 174, 
186-7, 189, 234, 262, 289, 
297. 314, 328, 399. 

Wood Pulp Mill, 115. 
Saratoga Alarm, 47, 84, 291, 320. 
Saratoga, N. Y., 8, 23, 88, 211, 349, 

385. 392- 

Springs, 121. 
Sault St. Louis, 163, 301, 327, 429. 
Savages Island, 134. 
Saxe's Landing, 76, 171, 242. 
Saybrook, Ct., 33. 
Schenectady, N. Y., 135, 143, 

266-7. 
Schroon, 80, 220, 225, 356. 
Schuyler Falls, N. Y., 96, 262, 

276. 295, 315, 372, 380. 



484 



Index of Places and Events 



ScHUYLERS Island, 183, 268, 324, 

33^, 333-4- 
Scotland, 43, 139, 201, 250. 
Seal Rock, 275. 
Seigniory L' Orignal, 21. 
Sheffield, Mass., 107, 119. 
Shelburn Harbor, 55. 
Shelburne, Vt., 123, 132. 
Sheldon, Vt., 46, 99. 
Shooting Matches, 7, 29. 
Shoreham, Vt., 26, 103, 128, 131, 

146, 213, 255, 264, 266, 300, 

327. 384, 395. 399. 404- 
Shrewsbury, Mass., 128. 
SiMSBURY, Ct., 117, 264, 300. 
Skenesborough (Whitehall), 105, 

128, 136, 142, 202, 210, 351. 
Sloop Island, 60. 
Smithtown, L. I., 21, 246. 
Smuggling, 189-90, 242. 
Sorel, 176, 252, 262. 
South Bay, 195, 198, 279. 
South Hero, 45, 86, 113, 232, 311, 

346, 367, 369. 
South Island, 84, 108. 
South Plattsburgh, 250, 303, 321. 
South River, 38. 
Spencertown, N. Y., 376. 
Split Rock (Roche Rendue), 50, 

130. 135, 137. 185- 214, 258, 

267, 304-5> 334- 
St. Albans, 13, 51, 94, 213, 247, 287, 

330. 332, 343-4, 347. 353. 377. 

401, 414, 433- 
St Castor, 235. 
St. Croix, 195. 

St. Denis, Battle of, 127, 390. 
St. Johns, 19, 57, 64, 133, 142, 168- 

9, 171, 174-5, 180, 191, 226-7, 

267, 274, 313, 330, 338, 342-3. 

362, 388. 
St. Lambert, 218, 368, 391. 
St. Lawrence Co., 95, 402. 
St. Lawrence River, 95, 99, 141. 

166, 181, 262, 269, 376. 
St. Louis, Mo., 91. 
St. Ours, 127, 178. 
St. Paul's Church, 10, 358. 
St. Regis, 370-1. 
St. Theresa. 

Stanfordville, N. Y., 426. 
Stave Island, 281, 283. 
Stephentown, N. Y., 37, 49, 75, 

134. 257. 
Sterling, Vt., 16. 



Stevens House (Lake Placid), 220. 

Stewart's Patent, 61. 

Stillwater, N. Y., 134, 238, 259. 

Stony Wold Sanatorium, 431. 

Suckertown (Chazy), 26. 

Sudbury, Ohio, 380. 

Suffield, Ct., 305. 

Suffolk Co., 101, 398. 

Sutton, Mass. 

Swanton, Vt., 2x6, 240, 340, 406. 

Swed]-:n, 115. 

Tablets, 46, 200, 201, 213, 254, 
316, 341. 

Thorn's Corners, 256. 

Three Mile Point, 193, 354. 

Ticonderoga, >8, 32, 37, 47, 58, 

Tyconderogue, ) 80, 100, 114, 

118, 123, 126-8, 131-3, 142, 
146, 151, 169, 172, 190-1, 193, 
199, 201, 206—8, 211, 215—16, 
218, 231, 250, 259, 260, 301, 
308, 311-12, 321, 323-4, 327, 
329-30, 348, 351, 354, 370. 

405- 
Landing, 16, 160, 173. 

TiNMOUTH, Vt., 368, 407. 

Tioga Co., 297. 
Trap, Del., 436. 

Treadwell's Bay, 34, 431, 435. 
Trenton, N. Y., 36. 

Battle of, 83. 
Trois Rivieres, 197, 233, 237, 248. 
Trombley's Bay, 255. 
Trout Brook, 204-5, 321- 
Troy, N. Y., 82, 224, 272, 290, 375. 
Trumbull, 309, 334. 
Turner's Inn, 301. 

Upper Jay, 319, 409. 
" Union," 88, 104, 208, 280, 284. 
Union Coffee House, 25. 
Unity, N. H., 24S, 260, 323. 
Utica, N. Y., 193, 199. 

Valcour, 38, 54, 140. 

Battle of, 39, 61, iio-ii, 157, 

268, 324, 329, 331, 334, 337, 

418. 
Valcour, ) Island, 34, 160, 183, 
Vancour, S 199, 281, 286, 309, 

324, 331- 
Strait, 268, 333. 
Valley Forge, 158, 164, 379, 384. 
Van Dieman's Land, 411. 



Index of Places and Events 



485 



Van Kleeck House, 231. 
Van Ness House, 175. 
Vergennes, Vt., 72, 105, 132, 135, 
227, 251-2, 261, 315, 350, 361, 
39S. 403. 
Vermont, 9, 23, 25-6, 28-9, 31-8, 
40-2, 45, 47-51. 53-S. 57-8, 
60-2, 64-6, 71, 86-7, 89-94, 
105, 115, 119, 137, 149, 157-8, 
162, 166, 190— I, 229, 257, 317, 

3.55. 358-9. 373. 377. 417. 424- 
University of, 28, 102, 116, 148, 
153, 192-3, 211, 235, 244, 
274. 304. 364, 367. 377. 378, 
397. 424- 
" Vilas Home," 74, 97, 357. 

Wadham's Mills, 24, 111,223-4, 405. 
Wallingford, Vt., II. 
Walloomsac Valley, 10. 
Waltham, Mass., 317. 
Warren Co., 297. 
Washington Co., 395, 409. 
Washington, D. C, 45, 74, 211, 241, 
336, 376, 384, 416. 

WaTERBURY, Ct., 122. 

Water Street, 53. 
Watertown, Ct., 117. 
Waterville, Vt., 406. 
Wells, (Me.), 214, 357. 
West Chazy, 281, 359. 
Westchester Co. ,186, 377. 
Westfield, Mass., 23, 172. 

Vt., 264. 
Westford, Vt., 116. 
West Indies, 49, 62, 147. 
Westminster, Vt., 54, 105. 
West Plattsburgh, 148, 153, 180, 

350. 360, 385, 411. 
West Point, 20, 144, 436. 

WeSTPORT, 20, 40, 63, 69, 85, III, 

119, 121, 202, 206, 267, 322, 
336, 378, 403, 409, 413. 



Westville, N. Y., 115, 325. 

Whiteface, 273. 

Whitehall, N. Y., 19, 63, 122, 136, 

156, 168, 190— I, 254, 272, 291, 

292, 334, 387, 398-9. 
White Plains, Battle of, 355. 
Wild Pigeons, Visitation of, 222. 
William St. (Plattsburgh), 164. 
Williams St. (Burlington), 62. 
Williamsburgh Road, Va., 152. 
Williamstown, Mass., 113, 320. 
Williston, Vt., 13, 55, 274. 

WiLLSBORO, I 7, 23, 36, 37, 40, 

WiLLSBOROUGH, ) <,!,, 69, 77, 

79, 84-5, 95-6, 116, 144, 168, 

172-3. 185-6, 197, 230, 267, 372, 

379. 395. 427, 431- 
\^'ilmington, N. Y., 82, 87, 144, 192, 

316, 381, 390. 
Windmill Point, 189, 224, 279, 286, 

290, 306. 
Windsor, Vt., 20, 192. 

WiNOOSKI, 242. 

Falls, 51. 

River, 13, 52, 57, 133, 168, 204, 
233, 258, 341, 348. 

AViSCONSIN, 151, 221, 229, 381, 421. 

Woodbury, (Roxbury), Ct., 430. 
Wood's Falls, 115. 
Woodstock, Vt., 192. 
Wolf Hunting, 72, 97, 417, 423. 
Worcester, Mass., 256. 
Wyoming Valley, 311. 

Yale College, 54, 152, 202, 301. 
Y. M. C. A. Building, 21, 254, 372, 

417. 437- 
Yonkers, N. Y., ioi. 
York, Me., 215, 357, 400. 

Pa., 362. 
Yorktown, 81, 83. 



W 82 



'<^ 



""'5 5**.. ^ 'P , 



^^^ "^. 



'^. 



_o- 




^ ^^^^^ ^"-^ ^ 






; '^o 




'b V 



,0v: 



%. '-r^ 



<*- 



• H^ 









• .<5>^' 






'•^..A'^ 






.j>c.,- 



V. 



'->>.^ 







^iMf<^ 









... . ■< 



^"o '^Pbt-^ ^; 






^ 

C *' 



9' yj.:^^ % 






.•^^ •^♦' ^'^'"'^ 







■o^.•^^.% .//a^<>^ <^'^^^m:S ,/\"^"-" "^ 



















<{1 



^0^ .< 



.-^ «*,.«yv 



«* *y «* C\^ O ' 



.0' > 



/>■*?-. ■» o 






.V 









» .o. -*?" * 



(j"' 



^^ 



■^ fl WERT 

■^^ I" BOOKB1ND1NC 

Cranivtlle Pa 



>- 



*<i- r " " 







lillfl 

'llfiill!ii|!l!!!l((j 



U\ 



IIP 



Ml 



iii'iJii 



ii 



i|i!li^ 



W^' 



ilmV 



ill 



Hmuu 



i 



ii* 



ii 



I I 



lii tll 
f ! 


f 


ii „ 


M Ih 1 



